Formations and Manoeuvres: Difference between revisions

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.

*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.

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.)

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.)  

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.)

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.)

'''NOTE''': In an ATC environment, if standard formation is required, the trailing element should fly closer than 1 NM and wingmen from 4,000 to 6,000 feet.

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 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.)

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.

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

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.

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

Same as Fingertip but spaced wider, loose spacing up to 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

'''''Normally turn at Mil power and use 2 G to maintain airspeed.'''''

Check turns are just gentle turns with no more than 30 degrees of bank and can be used for anything from a minor heading adjustment to a full 360 if needed. (Not use commonly)