German Fighter Tactics Against Flying Fortresses    Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Intelligence. Washington, D.C.
	THE TWIN-ENGINE TAIL-PECKER Low Squadron of High Group, Usually of Last Combat Wing Over Target TACTICS DESCRIPTION The twin-engine fighter approaches from 6 o'clock, level or slightly higher, and at points 1,2, and 3 takes slight evasive action by weaving. Evasive action can be expected to follow almost every burst of cannon fire. The twin-engine fighter, equipped with rocket armament, fires from 1,200 to 2,000 yards. It may close in for cannon attack after exhausting supply of rocket projectiles. In making the closure, evasive action is taken as indicated above. Bf109 on B17's in B17 II At point X, the fighter peels off to right or left and does a shallow dive until out of range of .50-caliber M/Gs of Fortresses. This attack occasionally is made against No. 5 and No. 6. The attack is seldom closed to less than 800 yards behind Fortress No. 4. TACTICS LESSON The twin-engine tail-pecker can be expected to return to its 6 o'clock position after evasive action is taken. Hold fire until fighter is within range, then nail him to the cross on his straight-and-level flight, not when he is taking evasive action. Click to continue		B17 in Flak in B17 II Go to Single Engine Tail Pecker
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