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  Note: Formations or Manoeuvres required pilot to maintain the minimum visual between other aircraft.
  Note: Formations or Manoeuvres required pilot to maintain the minimum visual between other aircraft.
The purpose of learning formations and manoeuvres is to achieve a quick, safe and coordinated maintaining or changing direction.
[[File:Falcon BMS RyGJrb7JWz crop.png|thumb|780x780px|HKVFS 3 ship Echelon (Jay, Tom, EGOIST)]]


* '''Collision Avoidance:''' Formations help in maintaining a predictable pattern, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions.
= Learning objectives =
* '''Mutual Support:''' Aircraft in formation can provide visual and radar support to each other, enhancing overall situational awareness.


=Formation Responsibilities=
 
 
# Lead, Wingman, Element Lead, and Element Wingman Responsibilities
# Understand Basic Tactical Formation Concepts/Theory
# Understand why we need to use Tac Formation and Manoeuvers
# Execute Basic Tactical Formation
 
= Canopy angles reference point =
 
=Formations=
 
== Formation Responsibilities ==
The flight lead assigns responsibilities for each flightmember. Dividing responsibilities ensures each pilot has a manageable number of tasks to perform. Flight member normal responsibilities are as follows:
The flight lead assigns responsibilities for each flightmember. Dividing responsibilities ensures each pilot has a manageable number of tasks to perform. Flight member normal responsibilities are as follows:
*Number One: Primary planner and decision-maker, primary navigation and radar lookout, visual look out as other responsibilities allow, and primary engaged fighter, if practical.
*Number One: Primary planner and decision-maker, primary navigation and radar lookout, visual look out as other responsibilities allow, and primary engaged fighter, if practical.
*Number Two: Maintain formation position and visual lookout. Radar awareness and navigation position awareness, as other responsibilities allow.
*Number Two: Maintain formation position and visual lookout. Radar awareness and navigation position awareness, as other responsibilities allow.
*Number Three: Maintain formation on the lead element, secondary navigation and radar monitor, and visual lookout as other responsibilities allow.
*Number Three: Maintain formation on the lead element, secondary navigation and radar monitor, and visual lookout as other responsibilities allow.
*Number Four: Same as Number Two.
*Number Four: Same as Number Two.
 
''Noticed if the lead did not tell the formation side, default side was '''Right.'''''
=Formations=


== Two-Ship Formations ==
== Two-Ship Formations ==


=== '''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]]
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.  


#Wingmen will fly from 6,000 to 9,000 feet and strive for the 0-degree line, unless further defined by the flight lead. The 6,000 to 9,000 feet position provides optimum visual and firepower mutual support for threats from the beam and 6 o'clock positions.
*Wingmen will fly from 6,000 to 9,000 feet and strive for the 0-degree line, unless further defined by the flight lead. The 6,000 to 9,000 feet position provides optimum visual and firepower mutual support for threats from the beam and 6 o'clock positions.
#The flight lead may tailor the parameters of this formation to meet particular situations or requirements. For example, in poor visibility conditions at low altitude, the wingman may be briefed to fly 4,000 to 6,000 feet lateral spacing. For certain A/A scenarios, the briefed lateral spacing may be 9,000 to 12,000 feet to enhance 6 o'clock visual coverage while complicating the enemy's visual acquisition of all aircraft in the formation. Wing- men need to maintain a formation position, that allows performance of other responsibilities and does not require them to concentrate 100 percent of their attention on flying formation.
*The flight lead may tailor the parameters of this formation to meet particular situations or requirements. For example, in poor visibility conditions at low altitude, the wingman may be briefed to fly 4,000 to 6,000 feet lateral spacing. For certain A/A scenarios, the briefed lateral spacing may be 9,000 to 12,000 feet to enhance 6 o'clock visual coverage while complicating the enemy's visual acquisition of all aircraft in the formation. Wing- men need to maintain a formation position, that allows performance of other responsibilities and does not require them to concentrate 100 percent of their attention on flying formation.
#Each pilot must be in a position to detect an adversary converting on the wingman's stern prior to that adversary reaching firing parameters. Against an all-aspect, all-weather adversary this may not be possible. F-16 rearward visibility field of view (FOV) is not a limiting factor, as it is in most other aircraft.
*Each pilot must be in a position to detect an adversary converting on the wingman's stern prior to that adversary reaching firing parameters. Against an all-aspect, all-weather adversary this may not be possible. F-16 rearward visibility field of view (FOV) is not a limiting factor, as it is in most other aircraft.
#This formation allows element members to be in position to quickly bring ordnance to bear when a threat is detected. A vertical stack of 2,000 to 5,000 feet, when applicable, minimizes the chance of simultaneous detection by a bandit.
*This formation allows element members to be in position to quickly bring ordnance to bear when a threat is detected. A vertical stack of 2,000 to 5,000 feet, when applicable, minimizes the chance of simultaneous detection by a bandit.
'''Brevity Call'''  
'''Brevity Call'''  
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast Left/Right.
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast Left/Right.
Line 29: Line 38:
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.


[[File:Two-Ship LAB.png|frameless|675x675px]]
[[File:Two-Ship LAB V.png|frameless|501x501px]]
 
[[File:Two-Ship LAB V.png|frameless|675x675px]]


=== '''Fighting Wing''' ===
=== '''Fighting Wing (Spread)''' ===
[[File:Fighting_Wing.png|thumb|380x380px|Two-Ship Fighting Wing Right]]
This formation, flown as a two-ship, gives the wingman a maneuvering cone from 30 to 60 degrees aft of line abreast and lateral spacing between 500 to 3,000 feet. Number Two maneuvers off lead and uses cutoff as necessary to maintain position. This formation is employed in situations where maximum maneuvering potential is desired. Arenas for use include holding in a tactical environment or maneuvering around obstacles or clouds. (See Below Figure, Fighting Wing Formation.)
This formation, flown as a two-ship, gives the wingman a maneuvering cone from 30 to 60 degrees aft of line abreast and lateral spacing between 500 to 3,000 feet. Number Two maneuvers off lead and uses cutoff as necessary to maintain position. This formation is employed in situations where maximum maneuvering potential is desired. Arenas for use include holding in a tactical environment or maneuvering around obstacles or clouds. (See Below Figure, Fighting Wing Formation.)


Line 46: Line 54:
*Easy detection of formation by single threat.
*Easy detection of formation by single threat.
'''Brevity Call'''  
'''Brevity Call'''  
#Lead: Flight, go Fighting Wing Left/Right.
#Lead: Flight, go Fighting Wing(Spread) Left/Right.
#Wingman: 2.
#Wingman: 2.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
[[File:Fighting Wing.png|frameless|515x515px]]


=== '''Two-Ship Wedge''' ===
=== '''Two-Ship Wedge''' ===
[[File:Two-Ship_Wedge.png|thumb|383x383px|Two-Ship Wedge Right]]
Wedge positions the wingman 30 to 60 degrees aft of the leader's 3/9 line, 3,000 to 6,000 feet back. The flight lead may extend the formation spacing out to 12,000 feet to meet particular situations or requirements. (See Below Figure, Two-Ship Wedge.)  
Wedge positions the wingman 30 to 60 degrees aft of the leader's 3/9 line, 3,000 to 6,000 feet back. The flight lead may extend the formation spacing out to 12,000 feet to meet particular situations or requirements. (See Below Figure, Two-Ship Wedge.)  


Line 61: Line 68:
#Wingman: 2.
#Wingman: 2.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
[[File:Two-Ship Wedge.png|frameless|750x750px]]


== Three-Ship Formations ==
== Three-Ship Formations ==
Line 68: Line 73:


=== '''Vic''' ===
=== '''Vic''' ===
[[File:Three-Ship_Vic.png|thumb|325x325px|Three-Ship Vic]]
Lead flies 1.5 to 2 NM in front of the trailing element. The lead aircraft maneuvers as desired. The trailing element uses line abreast maneuvering to follow. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Vic Formation.)
Lead flies 1.5 to 2 NM in front of the trailing element. The lead aircraft maneuvers as desired. The trailing element uses line abreast maneuvering to follow. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Vic Formation.)


Line 76: Line 82:
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
[[File:Three-Ship Vic.png|frameless|620x620px]]


=== '''Fluid Three''' ===
=== '''Fluid Three''' ===
[[File:Three-Ship_Fluid_Three.png|thumb|426x426px|Three-Ship Fluid Three]]
This is the same as Fluid Four with one aircraft missing. If the three-ship is caused by one aircraft falling out from a briefed four-ship, the following position changes should be followed: if lead falls out, Number Three assumes lead and Number Two moves to line abreast; if Number Three falls out, Number Four moves up to line abreast; if Number Two or Number Four fall out, there are no changes. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Fluid Three.)
This is the same as Fluid Four with one aircraft missing. If the three-ship is caused by one aircraft falling out from a briefed four-ship, the following position changes should be followed: if lead falls out, Number Three assumes lead and Number Two moves to line abreast; if Number Three falls out, Number Four moves up to line abreast; if Number Two or Number Four fall out, there are no changes. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Fluid Three.)


Line 88: Line 93:
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
[[File:Three-Ship Fluid Three.png|frameless|690x690px]]


=== '''Spread Three''' ===
=== '''Spread Three''' ===
[[File:Three-Ship_Spread_Three.png|left|thumb|380x380px|Three-Ship Spread Three]]
This is the same as Spread Four with one aircraft missing. Roles and responsibilities caused by fall out from a four-ship are the same as Fluid Three. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Spread Three.)
This is the same as Spread Four with one aircraft missing. Roles and responsibilities caused by fall out from a four-ship are the same as Fluid Three. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Spread Three.)


Line 100: Line 104:
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
[[File:Three-Ship Spread Three.png|frameless|690x690px]]


=== '''Viper Three''' ===
=== '''Viper Three''' ===
[[File:Three-Ship_Viper_Three.png|thumb|508x508px|Three-Ship Viper Three]]
This is the same as Viper Four with one aircraft missing. Roles and responsibilities caused by fall out from a four-ship are the same as Fluid Three. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Viper Three.)
This is the same as Viper Four with one aircraft missing. Roles and responsibilities caused by fall out from a four-ship are the same as Fluid Three. (See Below Figure, Three-Ship Viper Three.)


Line 112: Line 115:
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Wingman: 2, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
[[File:Three-Ship Viper Three.png|frameless|689x689px]]


== Four-Ship Formations ==
== Four-Ship Formations ==
Line 119: Line 120:


=== '''Box/Offset Box''' ===
=== '''Box/Offset Box''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Offset_Box.png|thumb|539x539px|Four-Ship Offset Box]]
In Box formation, elements use the line abreast maneuvering and look-out principles. The trailing element takes 1.5 to 3 NM separation, depending on terrain and weather. The objective of the spacing is to give separation to avoid easy visual detection of the whole formation, while positioning the rear element in a good position to immediately engage an enemy converting on the lead element. Because the F-16 is difficult to see from a direct trail position, a slight offset will facilitate keeping sight of the lead element. Use of A/A tactical air navigation (TACAN) between the elements, and the radar in the rear element, will help keep the proper spacing. Element leaders initiate formation maneuvers. Number Three maneuvers to achieve pre-briefed spacing on the lead element (based on threat, mission, and weather). Flight leads may modify wingmen position to Wedge or Fighting Wing if desired. (See Below Figure, Four-Ship Offset Box.)
In Box formation, elements use the line abreast maneuvering and look-out principles. The trailing element takes 1.5 to 3 NM separation, depending on terrain and weather. The objective of the spacing is to give separation to avoid easy visual detection of the whole formation, while positioning the rear element in a good position to immediately engage an enemy converting on the lead element. Because the F-16 is difficult to see from a direct trail position, a slight offset will facilitate keeping sight of the lead element. Use of A/A tactical air navigation (TACAN) between the elements, and the radar in the rear element, will help keep the proper spacing. Element leaders initiate formation maneuvers. Number Three maneuvers to achieve pre-briefed spacing on the lead element (based on threat, mission, and weather). Flight leads may modify wingmen position to Wedge or Fighting Wing if desired. (See Below Figure, Four-Ship Offset Box.)


Line 141: Line 143:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Offset Box.png|frameless|706x706px]]


=== '''Fluid Four''' ===
=== '''Fluid Four''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Fluid_Four.png|thumb|890x890px|Four-Ship Fluid Four]]
Element leads fly line abreast, with wingmen in Fighting Wing or Wedge (as briefed) on the outside of the formation. Number Three maneuvers off Number One. Num- ber Two and Number Four maneuver off their element leaders to maintain the outside of the formation. Element leads are responsible for deconfliction of elements when crossing the opposing element's 6 o'clock. At medium altitude, wingmen should stack away from the other element when turning. (See Below Figure, Fluid Four Formation.)
Element leads fly line abreast, with wingmen in Fighting Wing or Wedge (as briefed) on the outside of the formation. Number Three maneuvers off Number One. Num- ber Two and Number Four maneuver off their element leaders to maintain the outside of the formation. Element leads are responsible for deconfliction of elements when crossing the opposing element's 6 o'clock. At medium altitude, wingmen should stack away from the other element when turning. (See Below Figure, Fluid Four Formation.)


Line 167: Line 168:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Fluid Four.png|frameless|839x839px]]


=== '''Spread Four''' ===
=== '''Spread Four''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Spread_Four.png|thumb|840x840px|Four-Ship Spread Four]]
Element leads maintain line abreast, wingmen position themselves 0 to 30 degrees back from their element leads and 6,000 to 9,000 feet spread. Each element uses fluid maneuvering. Number Three flies off Number One (similar to Fluid Four). The elements are not always required to be line abreast. On some occasions they may be briefly in trail. (See Below Figure, Spread Four Formation.)
Element leads maintain line abreast, wingmen position themselves 0 to 30 degrees back from their element leads and 6,000 to 9,000 feet spread. Each element uses fluid maneuvering. Number Three flies off Number One (similar to Fluid Four). The elements are not always required to be line abreast. On some occasions they may be briefly in trail. (See Below Figure, Spread Four Formation.)


Line 190: Line 190:
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.


[[File:Four-Ship Spread Four.png|frameless|840x840px]]
=== '''Viper Four (Res Cell)''' ===
 
[[File:Four-Ship_Viper_Four.png|thumb|630x630px|Four-Ship Viper Four]]
=== '''Viper Four''' ===
Element leads maintain line abreast, wingmen position themselves 0 to 30 degrees back from their element leads and 4,000 to 6,000 feet spread; this is the same as Spread Four, but wingmen fly a tighter position. (See Below Figure, Viper Four Formation.)
Element leads maintain line abreast, wingmen position themselves 0 to 30 degrees back from their element leads and 4,000 to 6,000 feet spread; this is the same as Spread Four, but wingmen fly a tighter position. (See Below Figure, Viper Four Formation.)


'''Brevity Call'''  
'''Brevity Call'''  
#Lead: Flight, go Viper.
#Lead: Flight, go Viper(Res Cell).
#Wingman: 2.
#Wingman: 2.
#Element Lead: 3.
#Element Lead: 3.
Line 203: Line 202:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Viper Four.png|frameless|840x840px]]


=== '''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.
[[File:Four-Ship_LAB.png|thumb|952x952px|Four-Ship LAB]]
'''Brevity Call'''  
'''Brevity Call'''  
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast.
#Lead: Flight, go Line Abreast.
Line 215: Line 214:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship LAB.png|frameless|970x970px]]


=== '''Four-Ship Wedge''' ===
=== '''Four-Ship Wedge''' ===
Line 229: Line 226:


=== '''Fingertip''' ===
=== '''Fingertip''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Fingertip.png|thumb|530x530px|Four-Ship Fingertip/Finger Four]]
The “Fingertip” formation is a closely flown standard formation. It requires that the wingman is constantly visually fixated on his lead.
'''Brevity Call'''
'''Brevity Call'''
#Lead: Flight, go Fingertip Left/Right.
#Lead: Flight, go Fingertip Left/Right.
Line 237: Line 237:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Fingertip.png|frameless|640x640px]]


=== '''Finger Four''' ===
=== '''Finger Four''' ===
Same as Fingertip but with more spacing up
Same as Fingertip but spaced wider, loose spacing up to 1,500 to 2,000 feet.


'''Brevity Call'''
'''Brevity Call'''
Line 253: Line 251:


=== '''Echelon''' ===
=== '''Echelon''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Echelon.png|thumb|425x425px|Four-Ship Echelon Right]]
The “Echelon” formation (left / right) is the standard formation for Overhead Approaches and Tanker Operations.
“Echelon” formations are normally flown very tight (similar to fingertip).The wing tip rail / wingtip missile aligned with the canopy frame (= 45° canopy cue) serves as a reference for close formations. A decent stacking from high (#1) to low (#4) is practical.
'''Brevity Call'''
'''Brevity Call'''
#Lead: Flight, go Echelon Left/Right.
#Lead: Flight, go Echelon Left/Right.
Line 261: Line 264:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Echelon.png|frameless|730x730px]]


=== '''Trail''' ===
=== '''Trail''' ===
[[File:Four-Ship_Trail.png|thumb|580x580px|Four-Ship Trail]]
'''Brevity Call'''
'''Brevity Call'''
#Lead: Flight, go Trail Left/Right.
#Lead: Flight, go Trail Left/Right.
Line 273: Line 275:
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Lead: 3, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
#In position - Element Wingman: 4, In position.
[[File:Four-Ship Trail.png|frameless|730x730px]]


=== '''Ladder''' ===
=== '''Ladder''' ===
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