Fighter Combat

SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-ONE 211Figure 5-7. The Half-Split (Bogey Attacks Extending Fighter)tics and relied heavily on teamwork between and among sections of twofighters. The classic defensive tactic of this time was known as the beamdefense maneuver or, more commonly, the "Thatch weave," after LCDRJohn Thatch, who introduced it. Figure 5-8 shows how it worked.At time "I" the fighters are in a fairly wide (about 1,000 ft for the F4F)combat-spread formation when the northern fighter is attacked. Thefighters immediately turn hard toward each other. In the case illustratedthe bogey presses its attack on the northern fighter and is met almosthead-on at time "2" by the free fighter with all guns blazing. The Wildcatpilots were more than happy to go toe-to-toe with a Zero in this mannerbecause of greater firepower and a more durable aircraft. Navy pilots werealso well trained in high-deflection shooting and forward-quarter attacks.After meeting his wingman (time "2"), the defending pilot uses hissuperior roll rate to reverse his turn quickly to set up another pass with hiswingman, who also reverses. This technique generates repetitive firingpasses against the bogey, and it also allows the defender to offer protectionto his wingman, should he come under attack by a second bogey. Thesecrets to this tactic lie in the initial wide line-abreast formation (separationgreater than fighter turn radius) and heavy gun firepower. Because ofthe short-range high-aspect shots provided, this technique would not beappropriate for fighters equipped only with RQ missiles, or even all-aspectmissiles, unless they have very good min-range capabilities. In such scenarios,the sandwich or half-split probably would be better. In the situationfor which it was developed, however, the Thatch weave was very effective.It could also be considered the forerunner of a new engaged doctrine forfighters known as "loose deuce," which is covered later in this chapter.