Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

Section Tactics,
Two-versus-Two
The advantages of mutual support and the potential effectiveness of section
maneuvering were detailed in the last chapter. The recognition of
these benefits in air combat has become nearly universal, so that the pair
has been a part of the fighter doctrines of the air forces of most nations for
some time. Although many doctrines prescribe pre-engagement formations
of more than two fighters, most notably divisions of four aircraft,
once they are engaged these divisions normally split into elements of two
aircraft, and their pilots attempt to coordinate their maneuvering and
provide for mutual support. In most cases these pairs also attempt to
cooperate 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 hostile
sections is quite common, and therefore training for this scenario is of
great importance. This chapter is devoted to the elements involved in
employing one fighter section against another; but before diving into the
attack on this subject, a few general comments are in order.
Human Limitations and Task Loading
The guy you don't see will kill you.
Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF
Although the tactics discussed here are based on many of the same
principles that were introduced in the previous chapter, on two-versus-one
maneuvering, in practice the addition of one more aircraft to the equation
makes a world of difference. The reason for this is human limitations.
Most people can handle one job at a time. Many highly skilled and welltrained
people (it is hoped that this group includes fighter pilots) can
accomplish two tasks concurrently. In air combat this might include
maneuvering against a bogey while keeping track of a wingman's position
and providing him with some visual defensive coverage. For the two-