Falcon 3 ACM/BFM Lessons by Jim Knutson A Supplement to Robert Shaw's Book Fighter Combat Tactics and Maneuvering Sortie 2 - Snapshots (pg. 20) Sortie 1 described the two types of gun shots that can be made (tracking and snapshot). It taught the steps to use in tracking shots. Depending on the situation (geometry, aircraft performance, and pilot ability), a tracking shot may not be possible. This generally leaves the snapshot. Snapshots are differentiated by your G level during the shot and is generally broken down into low and high G snapshots. For a low G snapshot, you predict the targets flight path and position your sight well in front of the target (based on target's maneuver, LOS rate, time before firing range). Ideally, you then fly straight and wait for the right time to fire. Some small amount of correction will likely be required. Low G snapshots are not very effective due to short firing times as the target passes through the sight. A high G snapshot is "almost a tracking shot." It works basically the same way as a tracking shot with the difference being that somewhat more lead is taken at the beginning. It is not necessary to be in the targets plane of maneuver, but it helps. High G snapshots can occur when you are never quite able to saddle up. The more G, the slower the relative motion (remember, you are pulling lead trying to saddle up, but can't). The slower the relative motion, the longer the target remains in the snapshot's bullet stream. There is an advantage to being in the targets plane of maneuver. As the target crosses the bullet stream, it will pass nose to tail through the stream with wings perpendicular to the stream. This increases the target area. If the cross was out of plane, the stream would cross diagonally over the target. This decreases the chance that one or more rounds will hit the target. There can be a problem if the required lead is large and you are near the targets plane of maneuver. In this case the amount of lead would place the target below your nose and out of sight. This blind lead turn is dangerous due to possible mid air collisions as well as "lose sight, lose fight." A solution is to turn slightly out of plane. Remember that you must open fire at least one TOF before the target crosses the pipper. Red Flag Mission - COMBAT1 This mission is a one versus one head to head engagement. Your opponent is a Mig-29 loaded only with guns. Turn on your gun camera (VCR) and try to shoot down your opponent using snapshots only. It will probably be best if you set unlimited armement so you can have as many cannon shells as you want. Try a snapshot at the pass and then turn toward the same direction the bandit turns so that you meet half way around the circle. This will set you up for another head on pass. Continue this until you down the bandit. Review the VCR to see where you can make improvements. GLOSSARY LOS Line Of Sight (direction toward target) LOS rate Rate at which target crosses view TOF Time Of Flight - generally the amount of time for a weapon to reach a target after firing