Scissors Maneuvering

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)

CHAPTER TEN

In executing a guns-D, the defender will need to simultaneously analyze range, closure, and

AOT as well as the attacker's nose position. The defender will tailor its guns-D based on this

analysis. Rolling into the bandit to offer the smallest possible target and pulling out-of-plane

will execute the guns-D.

The choice of vector out-of-plane (up or down) will be determined by energy state and altitude

available.

Scissors Maneuvering

Scissors maneuvering will generally occur after an improperly executed BFM by an attacker,

which results in an in-close overshoot. The attacker's overshoot allows a reversal on the part of

the defender, which may result in a role reversal, neutrality, or perhaps a less defensive position.

There are two types of scissors:

Flat scissors.

Rolling scissors.

In any scissors maneuvering (flat or rolling), the key elements to obtaining a positional

advantage are to stop down range travel (or slowing it relative to your opponent), and utilizing

early/lead turns to force your opponent to flush out in front. With this accomplished we can use

offensive BFM skills to achieve weapons parameters.

Both the flat and rolling scissors will be introduced during BFM-2 from a perch set-up. The

BFM-2 scissors demonstrations will be cooperative maneuvers initiated from a perch set-up.

Students will later see these maneuvers develop as a natural part of 1V1 engagements.

Flat Scissors (Also Called Horizontal Scissors)

The flat scissors is a series of nose-to-nose turns and overshoots performed by two fighters

essentially in the same maneuver plane, each crew attempting to get behind the other for

positional advantage (Figure 10-18). We will initiate the flat scissors from a perch set-up:

Perch PADS:

P - Abeam

A - Lead: 14,000 feet; Wing: 15,500 feet

D - 3/4 NM

S - 250 KIAS

Upon initiating the maneuver with the defensive IP's "Fight's on" call, the attacker will execute a

standard roll-in and low reversal. The attacker will then execute an in-close flight path overshoot

which the defender will take advantage of by reversing. The flat scissors is a slow speed, high

AOA fight where both fighters are attempting to decrease their down range travel more

10-35

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)