Figure 10-21 One Circle Flow

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)

CHAPTER TEN

Flows and Game Plans

When two aircraft meet head-on, one of two types of flow will be established in a turning fight

post merge:

One Circle Flow.

Two Circle Flow.

One Circle Flow: If after the merge, both aircraft turn in the same direction, the flow is said to

be "one circle" because both aircraft are now on the same turn circle but in opposite directions

(Figure 10-21). Note that in a one circle flow the two aircraft are fighting nose-to-nose.

Figure 10-21 One Circle Flow

In a one circle fight, the aircraft with the smaller turn radius will develop a positional advantage

by turning inside the opponent's turn circle. A one circle fight therefore is a radius fight. In

(Figure 10-22), we can see the F-18 flying a smaller turn radius and gaining a positional

advantage on the bogey. The F-18 is minimizing its turn radius by pitching up out of plane. To

fly the tightest turn radius possible, the fighter will enter the merge with as much airspeed as

possible to maximize the out-of-plane maneuver. By flying the jet through a plane of motion

above the bogey's, we are collapsing our turn circle relative to him. Additionally, the fighter

will want to merge as close to the bogey as the training rules will allow (500 feet). This close

aboard merge will serve to further minimize our turn circle relative to the opponent. When we

put all of these tactical considerations together we come up with a game plan. The fighter's

game plan for a one circle fight therefore will be "MAX KNOTS, CLOSE ABOARD, PITCH."

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BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)