The Lead Pursuit |
| A lead pursuit path is follow
by positioning the aircrafts nose ahead of the
target. The purpose of lead pursuit is primarily
to increase closure on the target by use of geometry.
The ideal lead angle for greatest closure depends
on relative aircraft positions, relative speeds,
and target maneuver. Line of sight (LOS) must
be constant throughout the maneuver and the gun
bore line (GBL) constantly changes and must be
adjusted. As the lead angle (LA) decreases the
target aspect angle increases (TAA). The end result
is for the attacker to close to the gap between
the target and achieve a firing solution. The
lead pursuit angle may even allow and attacker
to close on a much faster target, particularly
if that target turns toward the attacker. |
|
| Figure 1-1 shows a Spitfire closing
the gap on an ME109 by using lead pursuit technique.
If the Spitfire was to follow the LOS as an attack
path it would fall short of its mark. Leading
too far ahead would result in an overshoot. |
 |
| Figure 2-1 depicts an overhead
view looking down at a Spitfire (1) using lead
pursuit to close on a faster ME109. As the ME109
rolls to its right and banks right (2), the Spitfire
banks right also and adjusts its pursuit angle.
|
 |
| As the ME109 turns inward inscribing
a large arc in the sky, the Spitfire keeps his
nose in front of the ME109s position and turns
inside its flight path to close the range. Once
closure has been achieved (Figure 2-2), the Spitfire
sets up for a firing solution on a snap shot pass. |
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images on this page have been copyrighted and
are the property of the Grave Diggers. |
