Fighter Combat

TACTICAL INTERCEPTS 369tial, particularly when the leader has an initial angular advantage on theenemy. The pressure applied by the leader in this case often results inbogeys turning in front of the trailer. The trail formation is also good forsequential attacks against bombers, transports, etc. As discussed earlier,however, this is not a healthy option in an uncontrolled, multi-bogeyenvironment because of the poor defensive position of the trailer, particularlyif the leader conducts a stern conversion.Advantages and DisadvantagesThe primary advantage of the option intercept is its flexibility. The leaderdoes essentially the same thing regardless of the option, and the wingmanpositions as the situation dictates. Offensive options are available for bothcontrolled conditions (sweep) and more hostile environments (bracket),and the more defensive option (abeam) can be chosen for highly uncontrolledconditions. The option is compatible with either FQ or stern conversionintercept geometry. The choice here often depends on weaponsavailable and the permissiveness of the environment. The stern conversionis more applicable to controlled situations with RQ weapons, whilethe FQ geometry may be preferable in poorly defined scenarios and whenthe fighters have all-aspect missiles.Against bogeys in a significant trail formation, the bracket is generallythe option of choice. The fighter leader in this case should normally lockand attack the trailing bogey, while the fighter wingman's position insidethe conversion turn provides protection from the lead bogey. It is highlydesirable for the wingman to have radar contact with the lead bogey in thissituation to aid in visual detection. The fighter wingman will usually takehis split for the bracket earlier against a trail formation so that he can be inposition and avoid being detected visually by the bogey leader, which maybe considerably closer at this time than is the trail bogey, which is beingattacked by the lead fighter.All three options offered by this tactic allow the fighters to remain closeenough together and near abeam to facilitate lead changes in the initialstages of the intercept, which may be required if the leader loses contactwith the bogeys or suffers a radar malfunction, etc. Even in the latter stagesof a sweep or bracket option the fighters should not be so far apart that theycannot rejoin expeditiously for defensive purposes or a bugout. When thefighters are arranged in trail (sweep option), a 90° turn in either direction bythe leader allows the trailer to rejoin in spread. Following a bracket attackthe fighters should pass fairly close to each other with high track-crossingangles. In this case nose-to-nose turns by both fighters put them backabeam.There are some problems with the option, however. It places a lot ofresponsibility on the wingman to select the best option for the tacticalsituation and position accordingly. The bracket option, particularly, requiresthe kind of timing that is gained only through extensive training.Because of the many options available to the wingman, the fighter leadermay enter a fight without sight of his teammate or even knowledge of hisposition, especially in limited-comm conditions. The wide offensive splits