Dicta Boelcke

From OnAirpower.org

The Dicta Boelcke

The Dicta Boelcke were a set of eight tactical guidelines for air-to-air combat, formulated by German ace Oswald Boelcke during World War I^[1].

The Dicta Boelcke are:

1. Try to secure the upper hand before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you.
2. Always continue with an attack you have begun.
3. Only fire at close range, and then only when the opponent is properly in your sights.
4. You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses.
5. In any type of attack, it is essential to assail your opponent from behind.
6. If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it.
7. When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat.
8. Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. Avoid two aircraft attacking the same opponent.

[edit] Sources

• Wikipedia entry for Dicta Boelcke

• Dicta Boelcke Air Combat Training film  at YouTube A video demonstration of the Dicta Boelcke created by recording maneuvers in a flight simulator.

[edit] References

1. ↑ wikipedia:Dicta Boelcke