Chapter 6 (C) - Tactical Formation

Question 1

Primary responsibility for lead in tactical formation

Answer 1

Maneuver the formation

Question 2

Primary responsibility for wingman in tactical formation

Answer 2

Maintaining formation position and deconfliction

Question 3

Unless otherwise briefed, what are the standard airspeeds for tactical formation

Answer 3

350 at or above 10,000’

300 below 10,000’

Question 4

Stack, line, and spacing definitions of tactical formation

Answer 4

Stack: +- 2000’

Line: LAB to 10 degrees AFT

Spacing: 4000’ to 6000’

Question 5

Priorities for correcting position in tactical

Answer 5

Line, Spacing, Stack

Question 6

References for 4000’ spacing

Answer 6

The VHF antenna (shark fin) disappears, the underside rotating beacon disappears, and (or) the canopy bow disappears, and both canopies blend into one

Question 7

References for 6000’ spacing

Answer 7

The “L” formed by the aft edge of the vertical stabilizer and the burner cans start to disappear (depending on environmental visibility). Also, depending on the environmentals, the canopy disappears or blends into the aircraft.

Question 8

Reference for outside of 6000’ spacing

Answer 8

Aircraft loses most of its definition

Question 9

In tactical, strive for a vertical stack of ____ feet, but remember that stack is a tertiary priority and should only be increased as proficiency allows

Answer 9

500-1000

Question 10

If you are striving for level stack and are at high altitude and wider range, how will level stack picture be affected?

Answer 10

Wider spacing (6,000 feet vs 4,000 ft) and higher altitude result in lead aircraft being higher above the horizon than closer spacing and lower altitude

Question 11

When given the signal to go tactical LAB, what 4 things should wingman do?

Answer 11

1. Clear in direction of turn away from lead
2. Turn away from lead to achieve 4000-6000 ft spacing
3. Roll back to lead’s approx heading and set airspeed and power to match lead
4. Assess LOS and adjust

Question 12

Generally, for tactical delayed turns, when wing is inside of 6,000’ or aft of LAB, when should they begin their turn?

Answer 12

Begin the turn earlier than looking down lead’s intakes

Question 13

Generally, for tactical delayed turns, when wing is outside of 6,000’ of fore of LAB, when should they bgein their turn?

Answer 13

Begin the turn after looking fown the intakes

Question 14

If you are at lower altitude, should wing begin their portion of delayed tactical turns with early or late timing? Does it matter?

Answer 14

Begin the turn later at lower altitude

Opposite applies for high altitude

Question 15

On a delayed 45 degree turn, the aircraft being turned into should pass in front of or behind the other aircraft?

Answer 15

The aircraft being turned into should pass in front of the other aircraft for the geometry to work out

Question 16

Who is responsible for clearing during the first half of a hook turn?

Answer 16

The aircraft that is visual

Question 17

On a cross turn, aircraft should cross each other after ____ degrees of turn

Answer 17

60 to 90

Question 18

Due to T38 turn performance what will lateral spacing be after 180 degrees of turn on a cross turn?

Answer 18

2-3 miles if the lateral spacing was correct to begin with

Question 19

T or F. An acknowledgement is required for a fluid turn (i.e. Snake 21, fluid left/right)

Answer 19

NO

Question 20

For a fluid turn, lead wil normally make heading changes in approximatey ___ degree increments, and use approximately __ degrees of bank and maintaining altitude and airspeed

Answer 20

90 degree increments

45 degrees of bank

Question 21

For an easy turn, lead will use approximately ___ degrees of bank and pitch to hold airspeed. What is the normal power setting for easy turns?

Answer 21

60 degrees of bank

MIL power

Question 22

What is a belly check?

Answer 22

A belly check is a momentary reduction in bank performed by a turning fighter to clear the are hidden by the fuselage of the aircraft. This is typically a maneuver performed in formation, often by the fighter of a formation executing a tactical hook turn.

Question 23

High altitude tactical: recommended airspeed range when flying above FL250

Answer 23

0.85 to .90 IMN (provides good maneuverability and good fuel flow). This speed range also provides excess power and, except with extremely cold outside air temperatures, will maintain operations within the engine envelope

Question 24

Do not plan to fly formation above ____. However, if you must operate above this altitude, use ___ IMN or slightly higher as the base airspeed

Answer 24

FL350

IMN 0.90

Question 25

Definition of wedge position

Answer 25

4000 to 6000

30 to 45 degrees off of lead’s tail

Question 26

Stack requirements for wingman in low altitude environment

Answer 26

Stack no lower than lead

Fly no higher than approximately 500 ft above lead unless required to fly higher due to obstacle clearance during turns