That sounds bizarre! I'm having trouble with that one, ORAC. Why fly a 180 x when you have a head-on capability? I would also think I would want to see the target about 40 off at the 90 to have a chance. Having 'turned back' from a M2 chase towards the Cape on a Blinder to desperately get back to the tanker and avoid banging out into the North Sea at 0100 I reckon 8 miles is a touch optimistic for a M2 turning circle?
Now - how long does it take at M2 and a bit to close from 3-4 mm to missile release range (which would have been v close at that speed) on a M2 target? Even at M2.1 (which would be pretty impressive after a 90) it would take a couple of minutes. IF it worked, it was very impressive!