#World war 2 air combat maneuvers how to#

However, this does not imply that the heavier aircraft will be more maneuverable, as that mass will require more energy to accelerate. This means that two aircraft flying under identical conditions of speed and altitude will have different energy the heavier aircraft will have higher energy. Because the energy package is the combination of mass, speed and altitude, a fighter flying at low altitude but a high speed may have the same total energy as a fighter of equal mass, but flying at a low speed and high altitude.One of the inputs to the formula for total energy is the mass of the object, in this case the aircraft. The combined potential and kinetic energy is called the total energy. Is a function of the fighter's mass and speed, while is a function of its mass, gravity and altitude.

#World war 2 air combat maneuvers how to#

Using BFM as the building blocks for multiple aircraft maneuvers, such as the, loose deuce, and, pilots learn how to maneuver in situations involving one against one, one against two, two against two, two against many, or even one against many. In this type of training, the advantages of one type of fighter may differ greatly from the advantages of the other, so pilots learn to refine their BFM skills to make use of the opponent's weaknesses. This training is valuable in that both pilots are not as aware of the performance capabilities and characteristics of the other aircraft and, therefore, must rely on the fundamental BFM principles and evaluation/decision making skills to maneuver to an advantageous position versus their opponent. This also allows pilots to build their BFM skills against one another, without either having a particular technological advantage.Dissimilar air combat training (DACT) consists of advanced maneuvers performed by aircraft of two separate types (such as F-16 vs F/A-18). This allows the pilot to fly against a machine with known performance values and allows aircrew to build their awareness of important concepts such as sight picture, rates of closure and line of sight rates that are cues to being successful in the visual arena. The fighter pilot uses these angles not only to get within a range where weapons can be used, but also to avoid, which consists either of flying out in front of the opponent, called a 'wingline overshoot', or crossing the enemy's flight path, called a 'flight path overshoot'.The fighter pilot with the most advantageous position is usually above or behind the opponent, and is commonly called the attacker. BFM also relies on the pilot's understanding of the geometry of pursuit within the 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 and altitude 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.BFM 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. Unfortunately, you're by yourself in F-15 (at least the enemy planes don't cooperate when attacking you). When your fuel and/or weapons are low, start thinking about how you're going to get back to base.

When over enemy lines, never forget your own line of retreat.

When attacked, turn into the attack don't try to evade.

This is not as important now as it was in 1916, though it still applies to a good gun attack. Always attack from behind your opponent.In F-15 this means be prepared for your opponent to cut his speed to force you to overshoot. Always keep your eye on your opponent.When applied to guns it means fill the screen with the enemy plane. When applied to missile attacks this means shoot when in good position with a good angle and within the minimum and maximum firing ranges. Fire only at close range and when your opponent is properly in your sights.Always carry through with an attack once you've started.This advantage could be altitude, position, or surprise. Try to secure an advantage before you begin your attack.He gave new pilots eight rules of air combat to help them survive and win. Basic tactics and rules established by Oswald Boeleke in 1916, however, have stood the test of time well. Air combat has changed dramatically since World War I.