I1103 FLIGHT AIR-TO-AIR 2.0 hours

BFM Execution

Module 3: Air-to-Air (BFM) - Flight

OBJECTIVE

Execute T-38C BFM maneuvers including offensive (OBFM), defensive (DBFM), and high-aspect (HABFM) engagements from perch setups, demonstrating pursuit selection, energy management, and AGSM execution while maintaining tactical SA and proper communications.

CONTENT

Maneuvers

  • • Perch setups: 6K (6,000 ft/415 KCAS/30-40° AA) and 3K (3,000 ft/350 KCAS/25-30° AA).
  • • OBFM (Offensive): CZ entry to WEZ, heat-to-guns progression, pursuit curve management.
  • • DBFM (Defensive): Break turns, out-of-plane maneuvers (OOP), jinks, last-ditch.
  • • HABFM (High Aspect): 90° aspect setups, lead turns, merge geometry.

Offensive BFM (OBFM)

OBFM SEQUENCE

  1. Perch: Establish at 6K or 3K parameters
  2. Call: "Fights on" - engagement begins
  3. Pursuit: Select lead/pure/lag based on geometry
  4. CZ Entry: Enter 2,500-4,500 ft control zone
  5. WEZ: Achieve heat tone, transition to guns
  6. Tracking: Stabilize for weapons solution
  7. Call: "Fox 2" or "Guns" as appropriate

Defensive BFM (DBFM)

  • • Break turn: Maximum G turn into the attack - use at merge or when attacked.
  • • OOP (Out of Plane): Change plane of motion to defeat attacker's tracking.
  • • Jink: Unpredictable flight path changes to spoil guns solution.
  • • Last ditch: Maximum effort maneuver when all else fails.

DEFENSIVE PRIORITIES

1. SURVIVE

Defeat the shot

2. NEUTRAL

Achieve parity

3. OFFENSE

Reverse roles

High Aspect BFM (HABFM)

  • • 90° aspect setup: Co-altitude, 90° off bandit's heading.
  • • Lead turn: Turn toward bandit before merge - critical for advantage.
  • • Merge: The pass - timing and energy are paramount.
  • • Post-merge: Immediate pursuit selection based on position.

Procedures

  • • HUD/MFD: Use for cues - airspeed, G, altitude, bandit position.
  • • SA scanning: Continuous visual acquisition - "Tally" and "Blind" calls.
  • • Communications: "Fights on," "Tally," "Blind," "Fox 2," "Guns," "Terminate."
  • • AGSM: Execute for all 5G+ maneuvers - G-LOC prevention mandatory.
  • • Energy management: Corner velocity 350-400 KCAS, avoid AB overuse.

BFM RADIO CALLS

"Fights on"

Engagement begins

"Tally"

Visual on bandit

"Blind"

Lost visual

"KIO"

Knock it off - stop

SORTIE TASKS

IP required as adversary. 2-ship sortie. VMC only. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Brief with IP: perch setup parameters (6K/3K), OBFM/DBFM/HABFM sequences, brevity codes (Fights on, Tally, Blind, Fox 2, Guns, Terminate), and AGSM requirements
  2. 2Confirm VMC conditions at working area altitude; file flight plan on VATSIM; depart with IP

Sortie

  1. 3Transit to working area; establish altitude block and confirm visual contact with IP ("Tally")
  2. 4OBFM: Set up 6K or 3K perch on IP; call "Fights on"; pursue to CZ, manage pursuit curves, call "Fox 2" or "Guns" at weapons solution; call "Terminate" to end
  3. 5DBFM: IP sets up attack; execute break turn into threat, OOP maneuver, and jinks as needed; work to survive, neutralize, then reverse; call "Terminate"
  4. 6HABFM: Set up at 90° aspect to IP; execute lead turn at merge; pursue for positional advantage post-merge; call "Terminate"
  5. 7Execute AGSM for all maneuvers at 5G or more; maintain "Tally"/"Blind" SA calls throughout every engagement
  6. 8Fly minimum 2 iterations of each BFM type; RTB with IP; land full-stop

Post-Sortie

  1. 9Debrief with IP: review pursuit selection, energy management, AGSM execution, and brevity accuracy
  2. 10Log the sortie in the vTAC flight log system

Approved Callsigns

SINNER · BUCKO — IFF sortie
BLACK · CHOSEN · STAFF — if command is present

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in BFM execution. Must:

  • • Maintain headings ±10° during setups
  • • Maintain altitudes ±100 feet during perch
  • • Maintain airspeeds ±10 knots at setup
  • • Execute proper pursuit curve selection
  • • Demonstrate AGSM during high-G maneuvers
  • • Execute proper BFM communications and contingencies

Completion: Instructor confirmation of BFM proficiency per AETC standards

NOTES

  • • Emphasis on energy mastery - avoid AB overuse that depletes energy state.
  • • Scenarios include offensive/defensive role transitions.
  • • Use T-38C checklists for all BFM phases.
  • • Debrief using recorded data to analyze geometry and pursuit selection.
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