Figure 3-5 Center Turn

CHAPTER THREE

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

Center Turns

Center turns are turns of 120 240 degrees of heading change that can be performed from either

the combat cruise or combat spread formation. When aircrews receive the command, Center,

both aircraft turn toward each other at 45AOB while maintaining power. The turn is usually

maintained for 180 until the aircraft roll out in the new direction. The center turn is normally

executed when excessive separation has developed between a friendly section and a threat

approaching from the rear hemisphere that dictates that aircraft separation be decreased in order

to provide mutual support.

NOTE

Aircrews must take care to ensure that adequate separation exists

between aircraft prior to commencing a center turn. In any case,

the wingman is always responsible for clearance, and shall

maintain a covered position of + 200 feet for altitude de-

confliction.

Figure 3-5 Center Turn

In-Place Turns

In-place turns can be accomplished from either the combat spread or combat cruise formation.

They can be used for small heading changes of 60 or less or for large course changes of

120 240 degrees. For small turns, the command includes the new degree of heading change

(for example, (Call sign), In-place left, 030). When used in this way, the in-place turn allows the

section to visually clear the rear hemisphere of a flight's axis of advance. For large turns, a

change of 180 is understood on the command, (Call sign), In-place left (right). If a smaller or

larger change is desired, the leader may elect to specify the new rollout heading (for example, In-

place left, roll out 145). To initiate small turns, all aircrew simultaneously turn the appropriate

3-4

TACTICAL/AERIAL REFUELING PROCEDURES