Passing the defender is referred to as a 'wingline overshoot'. This position, from which the attacker will be able to safely maintain command of the fight, is termed the 'control point.' The control point lies in the heart of an imaginary, cone-shaped area, called the 'control zone,' and it is within this zone that the attacker will have both sufficient time and range to react to the defender's countermeasures.ĭuring a dogfight, the term 'overshoot' refers to situations in which the attacker either crosses the enemy's flightpath or passes the defender, ending up in front. The most desirable position is, following the defender's flight path, a distance equal to one turn radius behind the opponent. If the attacker can maneuver onto the defender's flight path before an overshoot occurs, the attacker will be able to stop or reverse closure rate. Once inside the defender's bubble, the attacker will be in lead pursuit and may have an opportunity for a lucky 'snapshot' hit. It is in this area where an attacking fighter will usually try to position itself. Because an aircraft turning at its maximum load cannot turn any tighter, any aircraft located between such a fighter and its post is momentarily safe from attack. The circumference is often referred to as the 'bubble,' while the central point is often called the 'post.' Any change in the g-force load on the aircraft causes a change in the bubble's size as well as a change in turn radius, moving the post in relation to the fighter. The defender will usually turn aggressively to spoil the attacker's solution.Īircraft turn in circular motion, following a circumference around a central point. The attacker must be able to get into the same geometric plane as the defender, get in range without overshooting, and be able to lead the target. Once an attacker gets behind a defender, there are three problems to solve in order to prosecute the kill.

Air combat maneuvers