Flight Procedures
Tactical Formation
the rate of roll and heading differential in order to arrive in range with lead pursuit. Use either a slow
roll rate to increase nose-to-tail distance or a rapid roll rate to maintain nose-to-tail.
2
2
1
3
1
3
2
2
1
Defender
3
1
3
Attacker
Figure 18: DISPLACEMENT ROLL
Normally, a high yo-yo is a much better tactic to prevent in-close overshoots and an unload or
relaxed pull works better at range. If you’ve executed the initial maneuver well, you’ll arrive at the
control zone with a turn rate advantage. You can now close to guns through a combination of
excess airspeed and lead pursuit. Angles that develop should be easily controllable with either a
momentary power reduction or a mild lag maneuver. Now you may track the bandit at will.
Tracking
As you approach 1,000 ft nose-to-tail separation, the target’s wingspan should begin to fill the inner
area of the aiming reticle. Place the pipper over the target and hold it there for at least one second
prior to firing. This allows the reticle to stabilize on the target. After stabilizing, the pipper will have
compensated for the lead required due to g and time of flight at 1,000 ft (pilot reaction time is not
compensated for by the HUD). Smooth g application is paramount for a valid tracking solution.
Maintain 1,000 ft nose-to-tail with power/speed brakes as necessary. When you’re established in the
gun envelope, place the pipper on the bandit, pull the trigger, and call “Pipper’s on, tracking.” Call
“Pipper’s off” when you stop tracking, or whenever the reticle is off the target.
Be aware that the bandit will attempt to get out of your POM and destroy your tracking solution by
trading whatever airspeed he has for angles. If you do nothing to control the closure (reset your
power!), you will fly out in front of him. A lag maneuver will probably not help you here because the
savvy bandit will simply oppose your nose, further aggravating the angles. When you’re inside the
control zone, do not become complacent until the bandit no longer breathes! At track gun ranges,
he’s got options.
Good luck. We’re all counting on you.
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