Air Combat Maneuvering
Flight Procedures
Disengagement/Bugout
In addition to all that you have learned about disengaging and bugging out previously, you now have a
wingman to consider. To disengage or bug out at the most opportune time, keep these guidelines in mind:
1) establish and maintain visual and tally, 2) achieve at least a 150-degree TCA between the engaged
fighter and the bogey, and 3) regain section integrity as soon as possible after the engagement because
maneuvering back to combat spread will make it possible to engage another bogey, press to a target, or
RTB/bug out.
3
3
2
2
2
Stealth
Earl
Start
Start
Bogey
Start
3
Figure 38: MULTI-SWITCH ENGAGEMENT TO BUGOUT (1 OF 2)
Even though disengagements can be employed at any appropriate time, you will normally practice them
out of the multi-switch exercises, as in shown Figures 38 and 39. Usually, the free fighter transmits the
bugout heading, which is acknowledged by the engaged fighter. Because he will more than likely have the
best situational awareness, the free fighter dictates the bugout time and heading. The engaged fighter
assesses and informs the free fighter of his disengagement capability, if necessary. The engaged fighter
maintains responsibility to clear his own six and maneuvers to bug out on the called heading. The free
fighter will maneuver to facilitate regaining section integrity.
To regain section integrity, the free fighter must make his initial call an appropriate magnetic heading that
will ensure separating out the bogey’s extended six. Once both fighters have attained the appropriate
separation from the bogey, the Tac lead (the fighter with the best SA) will call appropriate check turns, if
necessary, to get the section back into combat spread. After initially separating, if the bogey continues to
threaten, the Tac lead must maneuver the section to deny the bogey a shot.
T-45C Revision 1
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