Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering

by Robert L. Shaw

This book provides a detailed discussion of one-on-one dog-fights and multi-fighter team work tactics. Full discussions of fighter aircraft and weapons systems performance are provided along with an explanation of radar intercept tactics and an analysis of the elements involved in the performance of fighter missions.

Genres: Military Fiction, Aviation, Military History, Reference, History

448 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1985

Reviews

[Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

"All I wanna do is zoom-zoom-zoom-zoom / and a boom-boom."

--Wrecx-N-Effect

One of the few technical books that uses "zooming" and "zoom" regularly (and authentically) as a term of art.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one I started and stopped quite a bit. It is well written, outstanding graphics and illustrations and most surprising of all for me was all the great quotes from various generations. I was reading this for a book and wanted to learn about fighting techniques and it was that and more. Highly recommend.

[Irakli Kobiashvili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must read if you are interesting in military aviation, professional or gamer. Book is well written by professional in the topic. It teaches how to fight in air in every possible situation and with all kind of aircraft/weapons, alone or in group, against single or multiple enemies. But unlike any other book it does not give you just simple rules and recipes. Instead author helps you understand mechanics, situation, tactics and all aspects involved in each situation in details. Attention is payed to such details that at first may seem excessive, but when you use tactics and technique learned from this book in simulation, you will price those details. Those details let you have good situation awareness, manage team better or be good team player and make correct decisions and improve your chances to turn any disadvantage into advantage. Beside that it is very interesting book, with lot of history and well structured. I enjoyed every page of it.

[Darrell Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ~30 year old reference still has relevant material. If you learn what's here, you will be able to at least have a cogent discussion with a real fighter pilot about basic fighter maneuvering. That was my goal when I read this book, and after reading it I was indeed able to talk to pilots about tactics without sounding like a complete moron (just mostly a moron).

[TheHenry Blank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good yet difficult read. It breaks air-to-air combat down to a science. Energy management and physics during combat is thoroughly covered here. One-on-one and multiple adversary tactics are explained as well. A technical read, this book is of interest only to air combat aficionados.

[Marc Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Excellent to discover the details of air combat.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go-to book on fighter combat, including the segments on the maths that went over my head but I read as the price of admission.

[Max Cioux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for those who are casually interested in Aerial Combat. If you are this is the most thorough reference I've seen.

[Shahriar Hossain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Matt Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book is what I imagine TOPGUN ground school is like, minus the ass-chewing superiors, pen-flipping hotshots, and homoeroticism. Very logically organized, Shaw begins his treatise discussing the finer points of various fighter weapon types before launching into basic combat maneuvering, the aim of which, of course, is to put oneself in a position to fire without allowing the adversary the same opportunity. After this, the scenarios and discussions get incrementally more complex and higher-level, ending with descriptions of fighter missions and group tactics. Following the main text is a fascinating appendix discussing the more technical aspects of flight, a sort of abridged "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators."

For a subject so often accompanied by a full-afterburner soundtrack, Shaw's writing can be surprisingly dry. As an instructive text this makes sense, but it's not for the faint of heart. The situation is helped by kneeboard-worthy crystal clear diagrams, and pithy quotes and longer didactic passages from some of the world's aces. I also found Shaw's writing to "unload" a bit toward the end of the book, allowing some of his personality to shine through his lecture.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for those whose interest goes above and beyond the Hollywood treatment. The elite. The best of the best.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably impenetrable to anyone who does not have formal training as a military fighter/attack pilot. Seriously. Only a private pilot but think you're ready for more? Don't bother. Helicopter pilot? There's a subchapter on how to avoid/evade real fighters, otherwise it's not for you. A non-tactical military pilot? I'm not joking--this isn't for you.

On the other hand...if you possess formal training, you will probably be ASTOUNDED by the depth and breadth of this book. Randy Cunningham said he considered it required reading in every ready room he was a member of. It is absolutely the most complete, comprehensive, and elaborate tactics manual you'll ever find in one book. Gunnery, missile guidance, warheads, pursuit curves, energy, 1v1, 2v2, 2vMany, radar intercepts...regardless of your background and level of experience, I GUARANTEE you'll learn something you didn't know.

Otherwise, consider it impenetrable.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book for modern air combat.

In parts it is overly complex but is more a textbook for military air combat students than joe sixpack.

If you have the attention span to read it you will learn invaluable lessons that'll turn jet combat from a confusing whirlwind to a battle of tactics and skill.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly specialized book but in its niche is unique. This is the unofficial textbook used by fighter pilots to learn and understand dogfighting tactics and strategy. For real-world pilots, and for fans of flight simulation computer games, this is a must-have reference and text.

[Madis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly technical evaluation of aerial combat and a tough read--very much a textbook. Perhaps the only tactical level work of its kind which does not relay on anecdotal evidence. Not really worth it unless you are a fighter pilot, aspiring fighter pilot, or a warbird freak like myself.

[Brian Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you would Like someday to become a fighter pilot or Like me you are intrested in learning the how of a fighter pilot. Then you have in your hands the bible.

This is Where it Begins and it is written very Well. Great Read.

[Angie Lofthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for fighter pilots or aspiring novelists (like me). Helped immensely with creating realistic fighter combat scenes, plus he has a very engaging writing style that made this a fun read.

[Lisa Eskra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-read reference for anyone interested in the subject. Easy to understand for the uninitiated.

[Paul Belanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a text book but very interesting.