BFM Fundamentals & Geometry
Module 3: Air-to-Air (BFM) - Ground Instruction
OBJECTIVE
Achieve proficiency in T-38C air-to-air fundamentals, including BFM axioms, geometry, and pursuit curves, ensuring tactical SA and mutual support concepts for virtual engagements.
CONTENT
BFM Axioms
- • "Lose Sight, Lose Fight" - Visual contact is paramount; losing sight typically means losing the engagement.
- • "Speed is Life" - Energy (airspeed/altitude) equals options; low energy limits maneuverability.
- • "Angles Kill" - Gaining angular advantage on the bandit enables weapons employment.
- • "Check Six" - Constant awareness of threats behind; complacency kills.
CARDINAL RULE
"Lose Sight, Lose Fight" - Never lose visual on your opponent. If you do, immediately execute defensive maneuvers and regain SA.
BFM Geometry
- • Range: Distance to the bandit - critical for weapons employment and maneuvering decisions.
- • HCA (Heading Crossing Angle): Angle between your heading and bandit's heading (0°-180°).
- • AA (Aspect Angle): Angle from bandit's tail to your position (0°-180°).
- • ATA (Antenna Train Angle): Angle from your nose to the bandit.
- • LOSR (Line of Sight Rate): Rate at which the bandit moves across your canopy - key to pursuit selection.
GEOMETRY QUICK REFERENCE
Pursuit Curves
- • Lead Pursuit: Nose pointed ahead of bandit's flight path. Increases closure, gains angles quickly. High energy cost.
- • Pure Pursuit: Nose pointed directly at bandit. Constant ATA, steady closure. Balanced approach.
- • Lag Pursuit: Nose pointed behind bandit's flight path. Decreases closure, conserves energy, extends range.
PURSUIT SELECTION
LEAD
Close range fast
High E cost
PURE
Balanced
Moderate E
LAG
Conserve E
Low E cost
Weapon Employment Zones (WEZ)
- • CZ (Control Zone): 2,500-4,500 ft - Maneuvering space for guns solution.
- • AIM-9 WEZ: IR missile envelope - aspect and range dependent.
- • Guns WEZ: 1,000-2,000 ft optimal - requires stable tracking solution.
T-38C ENGAGEMENT ZONES
Perch Setups
- • 3K Perch: 3,000 ft slant range, 350 KCAS, 25-30° AA - Close-in offensive start.
- • 6K Perch: 6,000 ft slant range, 415 KCAS, 40-45° AA - Extended offensive setup.
- • High/Low: Altitude advantage/disadvantage variants for training diversity.
PERCH PARAMETERS
3K PERCH
Range: 3,000 ft
Speed: 350 KCAS
AA: 25-30°
6K PERCH
Range: 6,000 ft
Speed: 415 KCAS
AA: 40-45°
Contingencies
- • Lost sight: Immediately call "Blind" and execute defensive maneuver.
- • KIO (Knock It Off): Immediate cease of all maneuvering - safety stop.
- • Terminate: End engagement, rejoin for reset or RTB.
Procedures
- • CZ entry: 2,500-4,500 ft range for maneuvering.
- • EM diagrams: Understand Ps curves, corner velocity 350-400 KCAS.
- • AGSM: Required for 5-5.5G sustained turns.
- • Radio brevity: "Fights on," "Tally," "Blind," "Fox 2," "Guns."
- • Canopy codes: Plan perch setups with visual references.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate understanding through oral quizzing. Must be able to:
- • Explain BFM axioms and their tactical significance
- • Describe geometry terms: Range, HCA, AA, ATA, LOSR
- • Explain pursuit curves and when to use each
- • Describe perch setup parameters (3K/6K)
- • Explain WEZ and CZ concepts
Completion: Demonstrate understanding via oral quizzing per vTAC vAETC standards