Air Combat Manouvers (www.combatsim.com)

ACM Training: Janes Combat.net

by Warren "Big Red" Hudson

You can spend as much or as little time as you like doing this. In addition, you can "ring" the jet out and get a feel for the systems, calibrate your MK 1 eyeballs to what other jets look like on Combat.Net, etc. Take time to check out the various TACAN channels and waypoints which are loaded and see where they lead.

This in itself is a full mission and one which normally would be ended by a RTB (return to base) for pattern work and a full stop. You can do this as practice now or you can set up for a fight. If you land, your fuel isn't replaced or aircraft re-armed. Let's set up for some air combat maneuvers (ACM).

TRNMSN 2: Basic setup is as follows with you as the # 2. # 2 calls ready. # 1 calls fights on and maneuvers (probably a level turn with best G available). # 2 maneuvers as soon as # 1 is seen as turning. The objective is for # 2 to stay offensive and employ rear quarter (AIM-9P) missiles and/or gun as appropriate. Objective for # 1 is to survive, go neutral, and/or gain the offensive. Repeat as necessary until # 2 can maintain offensive position consistently through the fight and kill # 1.

TRNMSN 2: This is the reverse of scenario one. # 2 is now the defensive fighter with # 1 the attacker. Set-up is the same with 1 and 2 switching initial positions and calls. Objective of # 2 is to 1) survive; 2) go neutral, and 3) gain the offensive and kill # 1 if able or else to separate. Again repeat as necessary until # 2 can consistently survive and gain the offensive.

ACM 2

TRNMSN 3: This is a neutral fight. You can start either by doing a basic intercept from 20-30 miles apart or you can start together. The neutral scenario is one where both pilots fight their best to gain the advantage, having started from a neutral position.

Each one of these training scenarios gives the practicing pilot different skills needed to survive in a close in fight. Once they are mastered, you will be able to enter the fight or extract yourself from one with greater confidence. Additionally, they are the basics from which you can learn to employ and win in a multi-bogey environment, which we will talk about in part 2.

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If you notice, I did not talk about now to maneuver your jet once the fight starts. There are numerous articles and books, which explain the basic maneuvers, speeds, angles, etc., which are used to position yourself for the kill. To read about maneuvering and fighter combat in general, try these articles/books:

1. "How to Live and Die in the Virtual Sky" by Dan Crenshaw (Go to Training Index).

2. "Jane's Expert Flight Manual for F-15E" pgs. 4.72-4.84

3. "Fighter Combat" by Robert Shaw (I consider this the bible of fighter combat-a must read)

Ten Rules for Air to Air Combat

· Wait until you see the whites of his eyes.
Fire short bursts of 1 to 2 seconds and only when your sights are definitely 'ON.'
· Whilst shooting think of nothing else; brace the whole of the body; have both hands on the stick; concentrate on your ring sight.
· Always keep a sharp lookout. "Keep your finger out"!
· Height gives you the initiative.
· Always turn and face the attack.
· Make your decisions promptly. It is better to act quickly even though your tactics are not the best.
· Never fly straight and level for more than 30 seconds in the combat area.
· When diving to attack always leave a proportion of your formation above to act as top guard.
· INITIATIVE, AGGRESSION, AIR DISCIPLINE, and TEAMWORK are words that MEAN something in Air Fighting.
· Go in quickly - Punch Hard - Get out!

Flight Lieutenant Adolphus G. 'Sailor' Malan, RSAAF, W.W.II.

Training Syllabus Work Sheet

Click for full chart.

Warren "Big Red" Hudson is a former USAF officer. During his 17 year career, he served as a fighter controller, instructor, evaluator, AWACS Mission Commander, and USAF Aggressor @ Nellis AFB.

Warren has over 200 hours of backseat fighter time in USAF/Canadian T-33, F-4, CF-18, F-15, F-5/AT-38, and F-16. Additionally, he has over 1000 hours as an E-3 AWACS Mission Commander and over 6,000 recorded tactical engagements as a fighter controller.

Continued ACM Page 3 of 5

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