Air Combat Maneuvering
Flight Procedures
LOW YO-YO
The low yo-yo in Figure 11 is a lead pursuit maneuver, accomplished by flying inside the bandit’s
turn, designed to decrease range by increasing closure rate, but generally resulting in higher angle
off once the bandit maneuvers against you. Use the low yo-yo to close on a bandit to reach an
appropriate weapons envelope, as well as to transition from a missile to a guns envelope. Remem-
ber that the experienced bandit will attempt to exploit your increasing closure/angle off situation.
Anticipate this; ensure that you employ proper follow-on maneuvers that will maintain your advantage
and get you to a weapons envelope.
2
1
3
3
2
1
2
1
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1 Attacker
Defender
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Figure 11: LOW YO-YO
The low yo-yo is not just an exercise; it is a tactic that will be employed whenever necessary. Start
by pulling the nose down toward the inside of the bandit’s turn. Be careful not to pull the nose down
too low which will create excessive closure and provide the bandit with an easy counter. Once
established, position the nose in front of the bandit (lead pursuit). Approaching the desired weapons
range, work the nose back up toward the bandit while avoiding heavy buffet. Pulling the nose up too
quickly into buffet will cause a high energy loss and a missed shot opportunity. As you decrease
nose-to-tail, be aware that an experienced bandit will exploit your higher closure rate and higher
angle off by pulling harder, in an attempt to force an overshoot.
If excessive angles are being generated, come out of lead pursuit and lag to the control zone. The
technique employed could be a momentary unload to regain energy, or a simple relaxation of the pull
if your airspeed is sufficient to outrate the bandit once you have displaced yourself.
(10-98) Original
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