Tactical Formation
Flight Procedures
Low Yo-Yo
The low yo-yo is a lead pursuit maneuver designed to decrease range by increasing closure rate,
exchanging altitude for the airspeed necessary to close on the bogey (Figure 21). It is normally used as a
follow on maneuver to a high yo-yo to reduce nose-to-tail separation for weapons employment.
Pull the nose down toward the inside of the bogey’s turn and position it well in front of the bogey (lead
pursuit).
2
1
3
3
2
1
2
1
3
Attacker
1
Defender
3
2
Figure 21: LOW YO-YO
Upon approaching the desired weapons range, work the nose back up toward the bogey, avoiding heavy
buffet. As you close on the bogey, determine if the bogey is within your weapon’s parameters. At this
point either fire the selected weapon or continue maneuvering to the weapons envelope. Should you
generate excessive closure use a high yo-yo to stop closure and maintain nose-to-tail separation.
Performing a series of high and low yo-yos is preferable to losing your offensive advantage by pressing a
low yo-yo into an in-close/high angle overshoot.
Tracking
As you approach 1000 feet 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 1000 feet (pilot reaction time is not compensated for by
the HUD). Smooth g application is paramount for a valid tracking solution. Maintain 1000 ft nose-to-tail
with power/speed brakes as necessary. When you’re established in the gun envelope, place the pipper on
the bogey, 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.
Early in the stage, the bogey may ease the turn to allow you to re-acquire tracking more easily. If the
bogey destroys your tracking solution, analyze your situation—position, angle off, and closure rate.
Perform a high yo-yo, low yo-yo, or displacement roll to move back into a tracking position. You may have
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