Tactical Formation
Background
PURSUIT
The concept of pursuit geometry between attacker and defender in the ACM environment is basic to
every tactical maneuver (Figure 4). Pursuit is defined by the attacker’s velocity vector relative to the
defender. All pursuits control closure in some way.
LEAD PURSUIT
Lead pursuit increases your closure rate on the bandit and usually results in decreased nose-to-tail
distance. It also solves for a guns firing solution. To employ lead pursuit as the attacking aircraft,
position your nose ahead of the bandit.
PURE PURSUIT
Use pure pursuit to maintain nose-to-tail separation on the bandit, and to acquire a lock-on tone for
an IR missile shot. To employ pure pursuit as the attacking aircraft, position your nose on the
bandit.
LAG PURSUIT
Lag pursuit decreases closure rate on the bandit and usually results in increased nose-to-tail
distance. Lag pursuit allows you to maintain your energy and may cause visibility problems for the
bandit. To employ lag pursuit, position your aircraft’s nose behind the bandit.
LEAD
PURE
LAG
Figure 4: TYPES OF PURSUIT
(11-98) Original
Page 8
Previous Page
