Air Combat Maneuvering
Flight Procedures
advantages come from the fact that the tactical capability of two aircraft more than doubles when a
section works effectively together. Employing mutual support throughout an engagement enables a
section to maneuver to engage the bandit, achieve a quick-kill, and then regain section integrity.
You gain a psychological security factor knowing another section member is available to employ coordi-
nated tactics, which is commonly referred to as “mutual support by presence.” The section can take
advantage of aircraft positioning by maneuvering out-of-phase/out-of-plane while they are forcing the
bandit into a predictable flight path.
Combat spread is a major component of the loose deuce doctrine. As you learned in TacForm, combat
spread increases the visual limits, maneuverability, and weapons employment of a tactical section. To
make combat spread effective, the section must employ good lookout doctrine through a coordinated
search pattern. This way combat spread provides the opportunity for early detection of the enemy and
makes it more difficult for the enemy to either detect the section or split it up during the initial phase of an
engagement. Once the section is detected, combat spread forces a single bandit to commit to one fighter
or the other.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When a section visually detects a bandit in a high-threat environment, the roles of lead and wingman give
way to the designation of “free” and “engaged” fighter. The more rapidly these roles are designated, the
more effective the section can employ its full combat potential. The fighter with the initial visual contact,
which usually means the one with the best situational awareness, directs the other fighter and assumes
the “tactical lead” role until the section is engaged.
Once engaged, the engaged fighter is that member of the section with the best capability either offensively
or defensively to force the bandit into a predictable flight path. It is easier to see how the engaged fighter
with an offensive advantage will force the bandit into a predictable flight path; however, even a fighter who
is maneuvering defensively can force the bandit into an early commitment and lure him into a predictable
flight path, allowing the free fighter to maneuver for a quick-kill. In either case, this fighter would auto-
matically designate himself as the “engaged fighter.” As an engaged or free fighter, your number one
objective is to kill the bandit and when possible achieve a quick-kill. As an engaged fighter, in addition to
forcing the bandit predictable, you are responsible for maneuvering to bleed the bandit’s energy, while
denying him a shot opportunity. Force him to fight your fight, and maintain as high an energy level as
possible.
The free fighter is that member of the section not pressing the bandit but maneuvering for an offensive
position to engage. As the free fighter, your prime responsibility is to kill the bandit. Additionally, you
must keep track of the engaged fighter and the bandit, making sure that you clear the engaged fighter’s
and your own six. You must get quickly out-of-plane and out-of-phase, maneuvering to the bandit’s blind
area while maintaining a high-energy level. Because you will have better situational awareness, you will
most likely be directing the fight. You must set a plan and provide simple statements of your intentions to
allow the section to work as a team toward the common goal of killing the enemy.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is vital in loose deuce maneuvering. It is important to report all visual sightings that may
be a factor to the section. If the bandit is detected close-in (less than 3 nm) by the threatened section
member, he will immediately employ tactical maneuvering and communicate his call sign, maneuver,
detection, direction, elevation relative to the threatened aircraft, range, and remarks. If the bandit is not
detected by the threatened section member, the other section member will communicate call sign,
(10-98) Original
Page 57
Previous Page
