9.28. Fighting Wing.

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9.28.1. Objective. Enhance formation flexibility or maximize clearing.

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9.28.2. Description. Fighting wing is a fluid position defined by a 30 to 45-degree cone, 500 to 1,000 feet aft of number 1 (Figure 9.22.).

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9.28.3. Visually, the aft line of the cone (30 AA) is the same as for the basic rejoin: number 1’s vertical stabilizer bisects the opposite wing. The forward line of the cone (45 AA) is approximately when number 1’s vertical stabilizer is superimposed over the opposite wingtip or the inside wingtip strobe light just forward of the spinner.

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9.28.4. Procedure. Number 1 directs the wingman to fighting wing with a radio call (“Texan 2, go fighting wing”). Number 2 acknowledges “2” and maneuvers into the cone. Do not call “in” unless performing the ET exercise.

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9.28.4.1. Number 2 maneuvers into and maintains the cone with a combination of pursuit selection and lift vector placement. An initial turn away from number 1 (lag pursuit) increases lateral spacing and causes a slight movement aft of number 1 (forward LOS). The rate of aft movement can be increased with use of power, speed brake, or a vertical move out-of-plane. It requires constant analysis of AA and closure to apply the proper amounts of lead and lag pursuit and stay within the cone. Number 2 should not stagnate in number 1’s high or low 6-o’clock while maneuvering within the cone because it is difficult for number 1 to monitor number 2 in this position. While flying in the fighting wing position in controlled airspace, be aware standard formation parameters (e.g., plus or minus 100 feet vertically of number 1).

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9.28.4.2. Reform From Fighting Wing. Number 1 signals a reform or directs number 2 to another formation position. If number 1 desires number 2 to reform to a particular side, the reform is directed verbally or visually while maintaining a turn in the direction of the desired reform side.. For example, “Texan 2, reform right side.” Lacking direction from number 1, number 2 reforms to the fingertip position on the side currently occupied.

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