US AAC/AAF Doctrine: FM 1-15, Air Fighting, 1940 - 3: Factors affecting Air Fighting

CHAPTER 3: FACTORS AFECTING AIR FIGHTING

16. AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE.-a. Speed factors.--Superior rate of climb and airspeed are essential factors for the interception of hostile aircraft in order to impose air combat. The unit possessing equipment with superior climb and speed can, within limits, choose the time and place for initiating the fight. The ability to select a favorable time and place is a distinct advantage.

b. Maneuverability.-The relative maneuverability of aircraft will materially influence the tactics employed in air fighting. Maneuverability is of extreme importance in aircraft equipped only with fixed guns as it governs the ease and speed with which the guns can be alined and held on the target. Maneuverability facilitates the evasion of fire by defensively fighting aircraft.

17. ARMAMENT.-a. Fire effect.-The outcome of an air combat will be dependent upon the relative fire effect obtained by the opposing forces. This fire effect may be either physical or moral or both. The destructive effect of fire against either force is determined by the destructive power of the projectiles used and the number of hits secured. Adverse moral effect influences the attacker to fire at ineffective ranges or to withdraw from attacks before the desired result is achieved. Adverse moral effect influences the defensive force by reducing the accuracy of its fire and demoralizing its system of supporting fire.

b. Accuracy of Fire.--The accuracy of fire is dependent primarily on the following variables:

(1) Range.-The shorter the range, the more nearly will the projectiles conform to their mean trajectory and hit at the point indicated by direct sighting. If the target is maneuvering it may move out of the cone of fire while the projectiles are in flight; therefore, the shorter the range the greater the accuracy of fire.

(2) Relative positions and motions.--(a) Accuracy of fire is adversely affected when sighting lead must be applied in aiming. Sighting lead varies with the angularity of the line of fire to the path of the target and with the rate of change of that angularity.

(b) Motion of the firing airplane about any of its three axes reduces accuracy of fire.

(3) Accuracy of firing weapon.--Projectiles from weapons with a high degree of inherent accuracy follow more closely and consistently the mean trajectory upon which sighting is based, thereby increasing fire power of individual weapons. In all weapons that accuracy will vary with range. Other factors being equal, each combatant endeavors to gain the range that will be most favorable to the accuracy of his own weapons and least favorable to the accuracy of his opponent's weapons.

(4) Individual marksmanship.-A high degree of individual skill is an essential requirement for successful air fighting. Correct estimation of the range; accurate aiming; and, for the fixed gun installation, skillful piloting of the airplane are the most important factors. Camera guns should be used in conjunction with firing weapons for the purpose of instruction and improvement of technique of attack; a check of the developed film will indicate the cause of errors, such as firing at ineffective ranges and improper approach.

(5) Volume of fire.-The rate of fire of each weapon and the total number of weapons available are factors beyond the tactical control of the combat commander in air combat. Volume of fire is tactically controlled by the proportion of the available weapons that are actually brought to bear upon the target. Every effort is made through maneuver and disposition to use the maximum number of weapons simultaneously.
 

18. TRAINING.--Tactical situations which may confront combat aviation units are so numerous and varied that definite tactical rules of procedure cannot be set down to cover them. It is for this reason that they must depend to a high degree on training and indoctrination for the successful accomplishment of their missions. Drilled in fundamental principles of aerial combat, the pilots are trained to think and act as a unit. The ultimate aim of indoctrination is to enable the commander to exercise tactical control with the minimum of commands. Indoctrination develops its maximum effectiveness when the same personnel work together over relatively long periods of time. Frequent transfers of personnel from one organization to another reduce the effectiveness of teamplay.

19. WEATHER CONDITIONS.--Weather conditions and the presence and location of the sun may have considerable influence on air fighting. These factors may affect both the ability to locate objectives and the possibilities for surprise. The principal advantages and disadvantages derived from these factors are as follows:

a. Sun.--Approach to the objective from the direction of the sun sometimes permits the launching of a surprise at-tack. Surprise can normally be achieved in this manner only by individuals or small units. Immediately after sunset and immediately before sunrise, surprise may sometimes be effected by approaching in such a manner that the objective is silhouetted against the lighted sky.

b. VisibiIity.--The factor of visibility is opposite in its effect on offensive and defensive air operations. High visibility favors pursuit forces in locating targets for attack. Low visibility aids defensive formations or individual planes to evade pursuit interception. If interception is effected, low visibility facilitates surprise in the attack by fighter aviation.

c. CIouds.--Clouds afford an excellent place for concealment from which surprise attacks may be launched against enemy aircraft beneath. They also provide effective cover for air attack forces en route to and from their attack objective. Clouds will generally increase the security of these forces.
 

20. ALTITUDE.--The reduction in atmospheric pressure and oxygen with increase in elevation seriously affects the normal mental and physical efficiency of the individual at higher altitudes. Mental alertness is reduced; physical activity becomes sluggish and difficult. The danger to the individual lies in the fact that he does not immediately sense these effects. While these physical and mental reactions from high altitude flying cannot be entirely eliminated except in pressure cabins, they are materially reduced through the proper use of oxygen provided in all combat aircraft.