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From: rll9466@wucec2.UUCP (Richard L. Lantz)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Missing Man Formation
Message-ID: <1333@wucec2.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 8-Feb-86 11:09:39 EST
Article-I.D.: wucec2.1333
Posted: Sat Feb  8 11:09:39 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 11-Feb-86 06:48:22 EST
References: <1072@utcs.uucp> <681@brl-smoke.ARPA>
Reply-To: rll9466@wucec2.UUCP (Richard L. Lantz)
Distribution: net
Organization: Washington U. in St. Louis
Lines: 19


The original formation is known by several names, but I'll call it
the "finger four"; you will note the similarity in the positioning
of the aircraft to the positioning of the tips of your 4 fingers.
The formation was developed by the Germans in Spain before WWII and
was very flexible  because you could turn the entire formation with
out any of the planes having to adjust their throttles, etc (note that
the formation would come out flip-flopped).  It provided may tactical
advantages and remained the standard for years.  I believe only recently
have new formations been developed due to the high speeds of the modern
jets.  

Anyway, you start with 4, take one away, and you have your missing man.

-- 
                                          Rich Lantz   rll9466@wucec2.UUCP
                                          6060 Pershing Ave  #204
                                          St. Louis, MO  63112
                                          (314) 725-3061