Gibbo
I spent the first 26 years of my career operating and training in/for tactical environments.
Deployments on groups or singles is certainly decided by the threat. The formations I understand being discussed in this thread are groupings of targets.
Now, if you consider a lose or free trail in the context of this discussion, I'll buy the mutual support in terms flight following, someone to make some of the radio calls, and someone to pick you up when the contest does not go in your favor. Very familiar with those reasons for having a number of aircraft operating together.
Arm Out The Window
Covering arcs of fire? Thats Infantry tactic. In combat aviation use gunships! As many as necessary.
Last edited by VLift; 11th Apr 2002 at 00:54.