Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!att!cbnews!military
From: shafer@elxsi.dfrf.nasa.gov
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Dogfighting tactics
Message-ID: <7884@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Date: 30 Jun 89 03:19:56 GMT
Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM
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From: shafer@elxsi.dfrf.nasa.gov
The most important principle in dogfighting is to keep the fight on
your terms, rather than your opponent's.
 
For example, if you're in an F-15 against an F-16, you'll try to keep
the fight vertical, because the F-16 can't go vertical as well as the
F-15 can.  You'll be in control and you'll get the weapons solution
first.  On the other hand, if you're in the F-16, you'll try to keep
the fight horizontal, because the F-15 can't go horizontal as well as
the F-16 can.
 
To quote Col Harry Thyng, USAF (10 Victories, WWII and Korean
Conflict):
  Suddenly you go into a steep turn.  Your Mach drops off.  The MiG
  turns with you and you let him gradually creep up and outturn you.
  At the critical moment you reverse your turn.  The hydraulic controls
  [F-86] work beautifully. the MiG [-15] cannot turn as readily as you
  and is slung out to the side.  When you pop your speed brakes, the
  MiG flashes by you.  Quickly closing the brakes, you slide onto his
  tail and hammer him with your "50's."
 
To quote Lt Dave Pace, USN (Topgun Instructor):
  Know and use all the capabilities in your airplane.  If you don't,
  sooner or later, some guy who does use them all will kick your ass.
 
We talk in general terms about dogfighting tactics, but it's important
to realize that the tactics are different for different aircraft as
well as different opponents.
 
Missiles and guns, and their characteristics, are another important
factor in tactics.  The F-4 is a better heat source than the MiG, so if
you're 2 v any, it's best not to use a Sidewinder, since you might kill
your wingman rather than your opponent.  Your choices are then
Sparrows, which aren't `fire-and-forget', or guns.
 
--
--
M F Shafer                         shafer@elxsi.dfrf.nasa.gov
NASA Ames Research Center          arpa!elxsi.dfrf.nasa.gov!shafer
Dryden Flight Research Facility    ames!elxsi!shafer
               Of course I don't speak for NASA
 
"A MiG at your six is better than no MiG at all."
                     --Unknown US fighter pilot.