German Fighter Tactics Against Flying Fortresses    Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Intelligence. Washington, D.C.
	THE TRIPLE THREAT Lead Squadron of High Group, Any Combat Wing TACTICS DESCRIPTION This maneuver, as practically all other head-on attacks, is performed by single engine aircraft. The fighters, flying parallel to Fortresses as indicated in the diagram, pull ahead into positions at 11, 12, and 1 o'clock for commencment of their respective dives. At this time they are approximately 2,000/2,500 yards ahead and 500 yards above the level of the squadron to be attacked. They appear to be converging as they come head-on. Break-aways are made as follows: C does wing up break away to left at 800 yards. B does slow roll and belly-up dive (the Split "S") at 500 yards. A does wing up break away to left at 300 yards, and dives until out of range. Sometimes (as was done by "Goering's Abbeville Kids" in the Stuttgart mission on 6 September 1943), the dives are extended as indicated by the black lines in diagram, with slow rolls and belly-up dives (Split"S") underneath the squadron. The same diving attacks are often made from the rear of Fortress formaations. FW-190s and Me-109s can and do make these angular attacks, singly and head-on or from astern. Such attacks can be made from any clock position from 10 to 2 or from 4 to 8. TACTICS LESSON A slight turn will make all of these attacks a deflection shot. A slight dive or climb will uncover more turrets. Click to continue		Go to The Double Queue
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