Fighter Combat - Tactics and Maneuvering

SECTION TACTICS, TWOVERSUS-TWO 261
Figure 6-11. Loose Deuce Engagement, Two-versus-Two (Conclusion)
maneuvers to negate its attack and keep it on the left side (i.e., to keep both
bogeys to the south). Just as the bogey pilot reverses for a lead turn (time
"5") he points his tail to the unseen western fighter, which obliges by
blowing him away. Both pilots can then turn either north, to leave the area,
or south, to find and engage the second bogey.
The techniques of loose deuce in two-versus-two engagements can be
summarized this way: first each pilot negates any attack, keeping both
bogeys on the same side of the aircraft if at all possible. Once the threat has
been neutralized and the turn direction of the nearest bogey noted, an
attack is made on the other bogey. This attack should be planned so that
the final turn can be made in the direction of the first bogey, i.e., toward the
anticipated threat sector. If an offensive advantage can be gained the target
may be pursued, but only as long as both bogeys can be kept on one side of
the aircraft or the free bogey is known to be no threat because of range,
heading, etc. The attacking pilot should break off any attack and switch
bogeys before allowing himself to be sandwiched.
In studying this sample engagement, it should be quite apparent that
success hinges on having sight of both bogeys at critical times. In singleseat
fighters this normally requires that the pilot shift attention from one
bogey to the other as each becomes a threat or the object of pursuit.
Multi-seat fighters have a distinct advantage in this environment since,
with proper coordination, responsibility for watching each bogey can be
shifted back and forth between crew members. This technique can reduce
the chances of losing track of one opponent while concentrating on the
other. The results of focusing full attention on one opponent to the exclusion
of all else (known as "padlocking") are demonstrated by the fate of the
unlucky bogey in this example. Although more eyeballs can improve a