Fighter Combat

FIGHTER MISSIONS 339between the two forward escorts should be on the order of two to fourfighter turn radii, but this distance may need to be modified for visibilityconsiderations. They should be positioned ahead of the lead bomber atleast as far as the enemy's short-range weapons-firing distance. This distancemay have to be increased to provide coverage of threat FQ long-rangemissiles, as shown. Obviously the strike force will be extremely vulnerableto FQ missile attack if the escort is not similarly equipped. Denyingsuch a threat would probably be the responsibility of remote escorts.Altitude for the forward escort is typically close to that of the strike force,maybe a little higher to give quicker response to short-range gun or rocketattacks, or possibly a little lower to provide look-up for better radar detectionand FQ weapons guidance.A compromise between [free chase and close escort] was the "extendedprotection," in which fighters still flew in visible contact with the bomberforce but were allowed to attack any enemy fighter which drew near to themain force.Lt. General Adolph Galland, LuftwaffeSimilarly, rear escorts are positioned behind the strike force to guardagainst RQ attacks. These elements are generally stationed near theenemy's maximum RQ weapons range relative to the trailing bombers ofthe strike force. When each side is equipped with similar weapons, thisshould allow detection and engagement of RQ attacks before they canFigure 9-2. Detached-Escort Positioning