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1.1  Overview. War in the aerospace environment is currently in a period of fast-paced evolution. Since the beginning of aerial combat, technological development has driven, and been driven by, progress in building more efficient and effective aircraft and wea...

2.1    Introduction. Mission preparation, individually and as a flight, is the foundation of successful fighter operations. It encompasses cockpit resource management (CRM), psychological considerations, objective application, the prioritization based on SA, ...

4.1    Introduction. Success in visual A/A combat depends on the ability of the fighter pilot to maneuver the aircraft into a position from which ordnance can be employed against the adversary. BFM is the efficient application of aircraft handling skills to e...

4.2    BFM Axioms. There are three basic axioms of BFM that apply to any situation. Whether offensive, defensive, or high aspect (neutral), the following three concepts apply to every situation. They are:•    Lose Sight, Lose the Fight•    Maneuver in Relatio...

4.3    BFM Concepts. BFM is not a set of canned maneuvers; rather, it is a dynamic combination of rolls, turns, and maneuvers to either create or solve a BFM problem. BFM problems can be created in range, angles, and closure. Each BFM selected is based on sol...

4.4    Power and Energy Management. Power affects airspeed and therefore turn radius and rate. Power is also used to control energy. Energy provides the potential to maneuver. Nonoptimal energy levels (usually expressed in airspeed) can result in degraded tur...

4.5    BFM Cross-Check. During a BFM engagement, we need to keep track of two things in order to be successful. First, we need to monitor our own aircraft performance to execute our game plan. Second, we need to monitor the Bandit’s position relative to us an...

4.6 Offensive BFM (OBFM). OBFM trains the fighter pilot to maneuver from a position of advantage to a controllable WEZ and kill the Bandit. OBFM is a sequential set of problems solved by the offender to arrive at a controllable WEZ and employ valid ordnance t...

4.7    Defensive BFM (DFBM). The goal of DBFM is to train the fighter pilot to survive while maneuvering from a position of disadvantage. The correct mindset is critical to DBFM, and a will to survive is paramount. Unlike offensive, DBFM requires the pilot to...

4.8    High-Aspect BFM (HABFM). HABFMs may occur throughout many phases of a tactical engagement. During the transition from the intercept to the BFM phase, the Bandit may have a tally or may be turning into the attacker based on RWR indications, radar contac...

4.9    Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM). ACM is a substantial leap from BFM in terms of employment. No longer is it a single-man concept where your only cross-check is the Bandit. You now have to bring your element mate into your cross-check along with the normal...

5.1    Introduction. BSA is the building block for all air-to-ground missions. This chapter addresses surface attack definitions, premission planning, delivery parameters, controlled range patterns, and weapons delivery. Refer to Figure 5.1.

5.2    Surface Attack Definitions. Several surface attack terms must be understood for the fighter pilot to fly the attack and arrive as close as possible to the planned weapons release window. While these concepts are introduced and defined here, specific me...

5.3    Mission Planning/Preparation. BSA mission planning starts with and is based on the type of weapon used and the target. The use of a BSA conventional or tactical pattern simplifies most of the planning by removing the target “weaponeering” and allows pi...

5.4    Ground Ops. Confirm the weapons menus are set up correctly to include delivery parameters and break X altitude. Target coordinates and target elevation should be verified (or entered if required) on the ground. Set the altitude warning to radar altimet...

5.5    Range Entry. Prior to entering the range, flight lead will call the range operator who will provide range entry clearance, the current altimeter, which targets are available, and additional information IAW range regulations. Every member of the flight ...

5.6    Range Comm. With the exception of safety of flight calls (say position or KIO), full call signs will be used when communicating on the range (for example, “VIPER 2’S BASE”). The ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio will be used exclusively to keep the Range...

5.7    Range Exit. Flight lead will add “C/S LAST PASS” to his base and in call and “C/S up for the rejoin,” after completion of his safe escape. After pickle AND completion of a valid safe escape, turn in the briefed direction and look for the preceding airc...

5.8    Switches Safe/FENCE OUT.  Flight lead will call for the FENCE OUT as a directive call for all flight members to safe the master arm and CMD. Once safed, acknowledge in order by position number. Complete the rest of the FENCE OUT as briefed or directed....

5.9    Abnormal Procedures: 5.9.1    Fallout/Late Join Up. Have a game plan for how you will execute if any member falls out, both on the ground and in the air. If a flight member joins up late on the range, one technique is to have them hold above your curr...