Chapter Three Tactical/Aerial Refueling Procedures

CHAPTER THREE

TACTICAL/AERIAL REFUELING PROCEDURES

300. INTRODUCTION

The objective of this Chapter is to introduce you to Tiltrotor MPTS Tactical/Aerial Refueling

Procedures. These objectives are strictly for Marine Corps Intermediate Tiltrotor MPTS use

only.

301. TACTICAL FORMATIONS

These formations are designed to increase the flight leader's flexibility and should be utilized

when there is a requirement for maximum maneuverability and aircraft separation. They also

promote security by providing overlapping fields of view. From either tactical formation, nine

basic tactical flight formation maneuvers can be used to control the flight. These maneuvers

include tactical (TAC) turns, center turns, in-place turns, split turns, cross turns, break turns, the

dig, the pinch, and cover. They give the flight leader maximum command and control of the

flight while increasing flexibility and space for individual aircraft to maneuver. During tactical

maneuvering, the wingman always has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining adequate

clearance from lead.

Combat Cruise

Combat cruise is a tactical formation designed to provide maximum flexibility to increase the

capability to maneuver and to apply lookout doctrine and terrain masking. Wingmen can fly on

a rearward arc with 500 - 1000 feet displacement from 10 forward of the abeam position on

either side of lead. The optimum position for wingmen is on the 30 bearing in reference to lead.

Figure 3-1 Combat Cruise

TACTICAL/AERIAL REFUELING PROCEDURES 3-1