Air Combat Maneuvering
Flight Procedures
search pattern. This way combat spread provides the opportunity for early detection of the enemy and
makes it more difficult for the enemy to either detect the section or split it up during the initial phase of an
engagement. Once the section is detected, combat spread forces a single bogey to commit to one fighter
or the other.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When a section visually detects a bogey in a high-threat environment, the roles of lead and wingman give
way to the designation of “free” and “engaged” fighter. The more rapidly these roles are designated, the
more effective the section can employ its full combat potential. The fighter with the initial visual contact,
which usually means the one with the best situational awareness, directs the other fighter and assumes
the “tactical lead” role until the section is engaged.
Once engaged, the engaged fighter is that member of the section with the best capability either
offensively or defensively to force the bogey into a predictable flight path. It is easier to see how the
engaged fighter with an offensive advantage will force the bogey into a predictable flight path; however,
even a fighter who is maneuvering defensively can force the bogey into an early commitment and lure him
into a predictable flight path, allowing the free fighter to maneuver for a quick-kill. In either case, this
fighter would automatically designate himself as the “engaged fighter.” As an engaged or free fighter,
your number one objective is to kill the bogey and when possible achieve a quick-kill. As an engaged
fighter, in addition to forcing the bogey predictable, you are responsible for maneuvering to bleed the
bogey’s energy, while denying him a shot opportunity. Force him to fight your fight, and maintain as high
an energy level as possible.
The free fighter is that member of the section not pressing the bogey but maneuvering for an offensive
position to engage. As the free fighter, your prime responsibility is to kill the bogey. Additionally, you
must keep track of the engaged fighter and the bogey, making sure that you clear the engaged fighter’s
and your own six. You must get quickly out-of-plane and out-of-phase, maneuvering to the bogey’s blind
area while maintaining a high-energy level. Because you will have better situational awareness, you will
most likely be directing the fight. You must set a plan and provide simple statements of your intentions to
allow the section to work as a team toward the common goal of killing the enemy.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is vital in loose deuce maneuvering. It is important to report all visual sightings that may
be a factor to the section. If the bogey is detected close-in (less than 3 nautical miles) by the threatened
section member, he will immediately employ tactical maneuvering and communicate his call sign,
maneuver, detection, direction, elevation relative to the threatened aircraft, range, and remarks. If the
bogey is not detected by the threatened section member, the other section member will communicate call
sign, maneuver, detection, direction, elevation relative to the threatened aircraft, range, and remarks. For
example:
Call sign
“Eagle”
Maneuver
“Hard right”
Detection
“MIG”
Direction
“Right 3”
Elevation
“Slightly low”
Range
“1 mile”
Remarks
“Nose on”
If the threatened member does not have a visual sighting and responds with “No joy,” the update
transmission must verify the requested maneuver or modification. For example:
Response
“No joy”
Update
“Eagle, break right, missile in the air”
During an engagement, constant communications can make the difference. Remember these critical
elements about communications during an engagement: let your wingman know how the engagement is
progressing, and always call your intentions, any pertinent information, and the direction of the fight. As
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T-45C Revision 1
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