Figure 9-4 Vertical Maneuvering

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERING (BFM) THEORY

CHAPTER NINE

Figure 9-4 Vertical Maneuvering

912. OBLIQUE MANEUVERING

In short, you will seldom maneuver in either the pure vertical or the pure horizontal; rather, you

will be trading airspeed for altitude in an infinite variety of oblique planes. As you develop your

BFM skills, you will learn how to use the oblique to turn as tightly and quickly as you can while

conserving the greatest amount of energy, thus preventing you from approaching the deck, out of

airspeed and ideas. Picture yourself in one of the aircraft shown in Figure 9-5.

Notice that one is performing an extremely steep oblique loop, while the other aircraft is more

horizontal, yet still oblique. As you maneuver in all three dimensions, base your decision to

trade airspeed for altitude on what the situation calls for during an engagement.

9-7

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERING (BFM) THEORY