From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Basic fighter Maneuvering (BFM) is performed by fighter aircraft during air combat manoeuvering (ACM). They are generally grouped into two categories:

• Offensive BFM
• Defensive BFM

It is easy to fall into the trap of considering BFM to be a series of set maneuvers providing a foolproof recipe for a dominant position. The reality is that BFM is a series of fluid and often improvised proactive and reactive actions, varying infinitely according to range, altitude, speed, aircraft type, weapons system type and any of an enormous range of other factors.

There are three basic situations in ACM requiring BFM to convert to a favourable result. The three situations, and the primary goals of a pilot in that situation are:

• Defensive - the pilot is in a weak position, primarily concerned with denying a shot to the opponent rather than achieving a dominant position. The goal in this situation should be to convert to a neutral situation or extend to escape the unfavourable position.
• Neutral - neither the pilot nor their opponent have a particular advantage, nominally defined as the ability to "point" the nose of his/her aircraft at the opponent with sufficient range to employ forward firing ordnance (missiles/gun) prior to their opponent threatening in a similar manner. Each is focused on converting to an offensive situation whilst forcing their opponent defensive.
• Offensive - the pilot is in a dominant position, primarily concerned with prosecuting their advantage for a kill.

• Basic Fighter Maneuvering Terminology Overview of BFM terminology at F-16.net.

• Robert L. Shaw, Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering, ISBN 0-87021-059-9. (One of the better books on BFM and ACM in general.)