Fighter Combat

Section Tactics,Two-versus-TwoThe advantages of mutual support and the potential effectiveness of sectionmaneuvering were detailed in the last chapter. The recognition ofthese benefits in air combat has become nearly universal, so that the pairhas been a part of the fighter doctrines of the air forces of most nations forsome time. Although many doctrines prescribe pre-engagement formationsof more than two fighters, most notably divisions of four aircraft,once they are engaged these divisions normally split into elements of twoaircraft, and their pilots attempt to coordinate their maneuvering andprovide for mutual support. In most cases these pairs also attempt tocooperate with the other section or sections within their original division.This technique is investigated further in the next chapter.Since the pair has become so widely employed, combat between hostilesections is quite common, and therefore training for this scenario is ofgreat importance. This chapter is devoted to the elements involved inemploying one fighter section against another; but before diving into theattack on this subject, a few general comments are in order.Human Limitations and Task LoadingThe guy you don't see will kill you.Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAFAlthough the tactics discussed here are based on many of the sameprinciples that were introduced in the previous chapter, on two-versus-onemaneuvering, in practice the addition of one more aircraft to the equationmakes a world of difference. The reason for this is human limitations.Most people can handle one job at a time. Many highly skilled and welltrainedpeople (it is hoped that this group includes fighter pilots) canaccomplish two tasks concurrently. In air combat this might includemaneuvering against a bogey while keeping track of a wingman's positionand providing him with some visual defensive coverage. For the two-