this is not what is shown in the film... you merged in behind him
don't know what you're talking about here.... merge-To become combined or united... your flight paths were united, you being on the same path as he, but 1.5k behind...
You're arguing out-of-context semantics. In air combat,
merge has a very, very specific definition. Whatever additional definitions the word might have do not apply here. I can speak from my own first-hand knowledge, from my professional experience, as well as from my education.
Further to my point, here's a quote from retired combat pilot and renowned air combat historian Col Phillip S. Meilinger:
In air combat, “the merge” occurs when opposing aircraft meet and pass each other. http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj07/sum07/meilinger.htmIt is literally impossible to merge behind the opponent, as
a merge implies a ~180* aspect - that is the reasoning for the term
merge, as it carries specific aspect implications.
A more perfect example of the Bubi Hartmann school of air combat you'll be pressed to find.
Not sure if you're being facetious or serious - either way, I take that as a compliment. Thank you.