Figure 3-9 Break Turn

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

CHAPTER THREE

Figure 3-9 Break Turn

Dig and Pinch

Lead uses these dig and pinch maneuvers to adjust the separation of the flight while the flight

moves in a constant direction. They are separate maneuvers; the dig increases separation of the

flight while the pinch decreases it. Aircrews begin the dig or the pinch while flying a constant

heading in either the combat cruise or combat spread formation. When lead commands, (Call

sign), Dig, aircraft simultaneously turn away from each other for 45 of heading change at 30

degrees AOB. When lead commands, Pinch, the aircraft simultaneously turn toward each other

for 45 of heading change. When the aircraft are the desired distance apart, the lead commands,

(Call sign), Resume, and both aircraft once again return to the original heading.

Figure 3-10 Dig and Pinch

TACTICAL/AERIAL REFUELING PROCEDURES

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