Conceptualizing Basic Fighter Manuevers

 Basic Fighter Maneuvers

Commonly referred to as dogfighting, is Air-to-Air combat at a relatively close range where either fighter tries to gain an offensive position combined with a firing solution. Generally, this happens after a BVR (Beyond-Visual-Range) engagement comes extremely close following failed shots on either side with long missiles. It begins with the merge, essentially when two aircraft pass each other going opposite directions. This usually occurs at a level altitude where both are at the same general altitude. Sometimes this comes VERY VERY close, like under 100 feet close dangerously enough. From here it (generally) goes one of two ways.

From the Merge to the Circle

Those 2 ways are either a 2-circle fight or a 1 circle fight. A 2-circle fight, sometimes referred to a Rate fight as in the rate in which the aircraft can turn in degrees per second. This often looks as from the perspective of the pilot that you are going in one large circle and the enemy is pointed towards your tail. A 1-circle fight is sometimes referred to as a Radius fight. This is because the aircraft is fighting based on who can turn in the smallest radius circle. Perspective of the pilot is the enemy is pointed towards the nose of your aircraft.

 

Energy Management

The next major concept to properly winning a dogfight is energy management. Essentially, speed. If you run out of speed you turn slower, and eventually even fall out of the sky. Proper care must be taken so you stay fast a mobile. 

Anyways everybody that's some basics to actual dogfighting and how it works! I often times use these exact concepts in my learning and enjoyment in DCS.