BFM also relies on the pilot's understanding of the geometry of pursuit within the three-dimensional arena, where different angles of approach can cause different rates of closure. BFM not only relies on an aircraft's turn performance, but also on the pilot's ability to make trade-offs between airspeed (kinetic energy) and altitude (potential energy) to maintain an energy level that will allow the fighter to continue maneuvering efficiently. In actual air combat maneuvering, variations of these basic maneuvers may become necessary, depending on the different types of aircraft involved, the weapon systems each side is using, and the number of aircraft involved.īFM are used in the three-dimensional arena of air combat, where maneuvers are not limited by simple two-dimensional turns, such as during a car chase. In advanced training, pilots learn to fly against opponents in different types of aircraft, so pilots must learn to cope with different technological advantages as well, which more resembles real combat. Training usually begins with pilots flying the same type of aircraft, pitting only their skills against each other. BFM are typically universal maneuvers which can be performed in most any fighter aircraft, and are usually considered to be training maneuvers. The development of BFM began with the first fighter aircraft, during World War I, then continued with each following war, adapting to the changing weapons and technologies.īasic fighter maneuvers consist of tactical turns, rolls, and other actions to get behind or above an enemy, before the opponent can do the same. Do not put yourself into a dangerous situation unnecessarily.Basic fighter maneuvers are actions that a fighter aircraft makes during air combat maneuvering, historically known as, dogfighting. Always determine your percentage of success before you attack. He may relay the enemy position to the Squadron Leader and begin to climb above the enemy and attack later with his flight or with the squadron. A wise leader may choose not to attack immediately or at all. When you get to his altitude, You will be without speed. What is your position in relation to the enemy? Do you have altitude advantage? It will always disastrous to climb up to an enemy and attack. Does the enemy see you, Can you surprise the enemy? 2. Always evaluate the situation in respect to the four elements of advantage. The flip side is that if you have advantage, You can defeat the enemy when you are outnumbered. It is not just a case of numbers! You can out number the enemy and still lose if you do not attack with advantage. When you detect an enemy, It is not always best to fly straight at him and attack! Always attack with as much advantage as possible. The best time to leave a fight is when it is over!ĭeciding to attack and how will be an entire chapter in Officers Training. If you disengage from an attack when you are in close range of the enemy, You are putting yourself at risk of being attacked. Never Stop an Attack once you Initiated it: Shoot ahead of the enemy into his path and allow him to fly into your bullet stream. There are three vital places to hit the enemy to take him out of the fight: The engine, the pilot, and the fuel tank. You will need to know how to attack from the side. In AFHC, we will be using Team offensive and defensive tactics and maneuvers. It much harder to hit him when attacking from the side. When you are sitting close on the six of the enemy, It is easy to hit him. ( We will look at this more when we discuss the "Break Turn" in the next chapter. ![]() Turning away decreases the angle and makes it much easier for him to get right on your tail. Turning toward your opponent increases the angle between you and his guns, making you harder to hit. Your ability to detect and keep track of the enemy can determine the outcome of the fight. So will knowing your aircraft's vulnerabilities. ![]() If you can out-climb, out-accelerate, out-turn, or out-gun your foe it will change the way you fly. Make sure you know yours, and those of the enemy aircraft you are most likely to encounter. Every aircraft has strengths and weaknesses.
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