Formations and Manoeuvres: Difference between revisions

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=== '''Two-Ship Line Abreast (2-Ship LAB)''' ===
=== '''Two-Ship Line Abreast (2-Ship LAB)''' ===
[[File:Two-Ship_LAB.png|thumb|670x670px|Two-Ship LAB Right]]
[[File:Two-Ship_LAB.png|thumb|670x670px|Two-Ship LAB Right Top View]]
Line Abreast formation is a position 0 to 20 degrees aft; 4,000 to 12,000 feet spacing; with altitude separation. (See Below Figure, Two-Ship Line Abreast Formation.) At low altitude, the wingman should fly no lower than lead.  
Line Abreast formation is a position 0 to 20 degrees aft; 4,000 to 12,000 feet spacing; with altitude separation. (See Below Figure, Two-Ship Line Abreast Formation.) At low altitude, the wingman should fly no lower than lead.  


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#Wingman: 2.
#Wingman: 2.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
Beow is Two-Ship LAB Right Rear View


[[File:Two-Ship LAB V.png|frameless|501x501px]]
[[File:Two-Ship LAB V.png|frameless|501x501px]]
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=== '''Four-Ship Line Abreast (4-Ship LAB)''' ===
=== '''Four-Ship Line Abreast (4-Ship LAB)''' ===
The LAB formation is flown as a 4-ship next to each other with a separation of 1-2NM between each aircraft. Ideally the flight is on the 0° line. The cone to maneuver can be extended to 20°. This formation is quite challenging for the whole flight and requires staying constantly visual to the aircraft next to you. A good flight lead always maintain speed and heading if possible to so the wingman can maintain the formation easier. The flight can also be on the left side of the flight lead depending on the briefing or tactical situation.
The LAB formation is flown as a 4-ship next to each other with a separation of 1-2NM between each aircraft. Ideally the flight is on the 0° line. The cone to maneuver can be extended to 20°. This formation is quite challenging for the whole flight and requires staying constantly visual to the aircraft next to you. A good flight lead always maintain speed and heading if possible to so the wingman can maintain the formation easier. The flight can also be on the left side of the flight lead depending on the briefing or tactical situation.
[[File:Four-Ship_LAB.png|thumb|952x952px|Four-Ship LAB]]
[[File:Four-Ship_LAB.png|thumb|644x644px|Four-Ship LAB]]
'''Brevity Call'''  
'''Brevity Call'''  
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast.
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast.
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=== '''Four-Ship Wedge''' ===
=== '''Four-Ship Wedge''' ===
Wedge is defined as the wingman positioned from 30° to 60° aft of the leader's 3/9 line with a spacing of 4000 to 6000ft and at the same
altitude level. The advantages of the “Wedge” formation for each element are that the leader is well protected in the 6 o’clock area and is free to maneuver aggressively. The wingman can switch sides for turns or to avoid any obstacle. The tactical advantage is that flights, especially with an Air-to-Air task (Sweep, etc.), can establish much quicker 4-ship tactics like a grinder, a CAP or a bracket because there is already distance between elements. The wingman may switch sides as required during turns.


=== '''Route''' ===
=== '''Route''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship Route.png|thumb|630x630px|Four-Ship Route]]
The “Route” formation is a loose formation which corresponds to an enlarged “Fingertip” formation. It allows to increase flight maneuverability as well as to let the flight control instruments, airspace and do other tasks in the cockpit in more safe conditions. The distance between each aircraft is about 500ft. The flight can operate at the same altitude or element can be 200ft higher/lower. The cone to maneuver (grey area in the picture) is the 30° and the 0° line.
'''Brevity Call'''
#Lead: Flight, go Route Left/Right.
#Wingman: 2.
#Element Lead: 3.
#Element Wingman: 4.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.


=== '''Arrowhead''' ===
=== '''Arrowhead''' ===
The “Arrowhead” formation is a mixture of a “Wedge” formation (first element) and LAB formation (second element). The second element is in 2NM trail.


=== '''Diamond''' ===
=== '''Diamond''' ===
This formation can be flown tight or loose and is mostly used for airshows (no tactical advantage).


== 2-/3-/4-Ship Formations ==
== 2-/3-/4-Ship Formations ==

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