Tactical Formation
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
The relatively simple aircraft of previous wars relied solely on the gun to kill an adversary; these
aircraft have given way to more sophisticated fighters that employ both guns and extremely
formidable all-aspect firing missiles. This technological advance in weaponry has caused the tactical
community to reexamine and redefine their basic offensive and defensive air combat tactics. As a
result of this reevaluation, a simple and effective tactical formation evolved: combat spread. This
formation combines optimum offensive capability with maximum defensive flexibility. Combat spread
is the basic Naval air-to-air fighter formation from which loose deuce tactics are executed.
A properly understood and effectively employed loose deuce doctrine will enable you to work as a
team to engage the enemy and force him into a predictable flight path. It will allow you to effectively
use your aircraft as a weapons platform. Loose deuce maneuvering will increase your survivability
and offensive capability in combat.
The tactical combat arena is the most demanding and potentially deadly environment you will fly in
.
as a Naval aviator. During Tactical Formation, you will be introduced to and practice the fundamen-
tals of tactical maneuvering.
This flight training instruction (FTI) provides information and procedures on: 1) maneuvering as a
section in combat spread, 2) loose deuce tactics and exercise, 3) air-to-air use of the HUD, and
4) gunsight tracking maneuvers and exercise.
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