Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

258 SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-TWO
bogey in sight, both double attack and loose deuce doctrines provide for an
immediate bracket attack if the fighters are positioned favorably. Otherwise
the fighter with the greater offensive potential attacks while the
wingman assumes the free-fighter role. When only one pilot has sight of
the bogey, he may attack and engage the opponent under cover of his
wingman until the free-fighter pilot can gain visual contact. At that point
the free pilot can position for a shot (loose deuce) or continue his cover
duties (double attack) and await his turn with the bogey.
In the event that both bogeys survive the first attack but are still in
sight, the decision of whether to re-engage immediately depends on such
factors as the hostility of the environment, whether both pilots have sight
of the bogeys, and the confidence the pilots have in their ability to handle
the threat. If any of these factors is negative, disengagement might be the
prudent option. Otherwise a bracket or drag attack might be preferable.
When the situation does not provide for such coordinated attacks, double
attack doctrine calls for one fighter to attack the more vulnerable bogey
while the wingman holds the free bogey at bay. This method can be quite
effective if the fighters have significant performance and/or weapons
advantages over the bogeys, or if the friendly pilots are better trained than
the bogey pilots; otherwise loose deuce techniques are probably preferable.
Loose deuce doctrine in prolonged two-versus-two engagements calls
for each fighter to operate semi-autonomously, much as in the one-versustwo
engagements described in the previous chapter. The tactic involves
neutralizing the more threatening bogey (by causing it to overshoot), then
attacking the other bogey. The second bogey is likely to be involved with
the other fighter and be vulnerable to attack. This attack cannot safely be
prolonged, however, because of the threat of the free bogey. Each fighter
switches from one bogey to the other in this manner until one opponent
can be caught looking the wrong way.
This is a complex and difficult to master tactic, primarily because of the
difficulties involved in keeping track of both opponents. The task is made
easier when the adversary is flying larger and/or less maneuverable aircraft
and when the fighters are equipped with all-aspect missiles while the
bogeys are not. Larger bogeys are less difficult to see, and greater maneuverability
makes neutralizing an attacker easier and reduces the time
required to reach firing parameters against a target bogey. All-aspect
AAMs provide many quick shot opportunities with a minimum of maneuvering.
When bogeys cannot be eliminated quickly, the factors discussed
earlier in this chapter concerning task overloading must be considered
in making the decision between continuing and terminating the
engagement. Disengagements are better begun too early than too late,
when fuel considerations or critical defensive situations might complicate
escape.
Defensive mutual support during prolonged loose deuce maneuvering is
by chance and opportunity rather than by design. Each pilot is primarily
responsible for keeping himself out of trouble by keeping track of both
bogeys, maintaining high energy, and not getting tangled up with one
bogey for any length of time. It is difficult enough to maintain visual