Figure 10-24 Two Circle Flow = Turn Rate Fight

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)

CHAPTER TEN

determined in chapter 9 that the best sustained turn rate will be obtained at an aircraft's corner

speed. In the case of the T-2C, we determined from the E-M diagram that the corner speed is

280 KIAS. We also determined a loss of altitude (slice) will be required to sustain this corner

speed. The fighter will therefore maintain 280 KIAS in a hard nose low slice turn in order to

maximize his turn rate.

The lateral separation between two aircraft at a merge is referred to as "lat sep." The rule of

thumb is to take out all the lat sep possible at a neutral merge. Our training rules limit this to

500 feet. If your opponent allows greater lat sep at the merge, you will gain valuable angles on

your opponent, which may result in a positional advantage.

A smart bogey will take out the lateral separation resulting in a neutral merge. When we put all

of these tactical considerations together, we come up with our second game plan. The fighter's

game plan for a two circle fight therefore will be "280, CLOSE ABOARD, SLICE."

Figure 10-24 Two Circle Flow = Turn Rate Fight

It's important to note that 1 and 2 circle flow can occur in any plane referenced to the horizon.

All that matters in determining the flow is how the two aircraft turn in reference to each other.

Pitching and slicing have a large affect on maximizing a game plan but do not define flow.

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BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)