Humble
No reason for the 'ouch'! I deliberately did not include names with the examples because my intent was not to focus on an individual but to look at the instructional value of the post. We all do this hobby for the best of reasons...mine is to pass along some 33 years now of real world flight experience.
To answer your specific questions...
>>Everything i've learned says 1 circle is an angles opener and 2 circle is an E opener..and yes they can be out of plane far as I've learned.<<
This raises the ever-present issue of terminology and definitions. BFM has been around forever and not much new has happened to the basics...but nevertheless, we see new names sometimes replacing old. On top of that is the fact that some organizations use different definitions and terms than others (USN vs USAF, for example).
Because of this, I tend to follow traditional USAF BFM terminology. In this, the one circle/two circle option is only discussed in relation to in-plane maneuvering...and in basic instruction is referred to as being level with the horizon. The reason is to remove any additional considerations that may get in the way of the primary objective - the advantages/disadvantages of either option.
So, I must disagree with you! As a general statement, the one/two circle option is seen as an in-plane angles situation.
>>I was attempting to illustrate that planning & execution are equally important in a dogfight.<<
Ahhh!! 'Planning and execution' are much better than 'mentally and physically'. Actually, I agreed with your inital statement as far as the real world goes...G effect is a major factor to be overcome in a hard fight and has a definite impact on physical performance and mental stamina...but we don't have to deal with G in our sims (other than to quit pulling when the screen turns dark...and even then we can continue to pull. Try that in RL and you'll get the chance to take a nap!)
>>To me your wrong on this one...mandoble is flying a straight zoom on the merge...a classic 2 circle merge..in the vertical.<<
Hmmm...that's not how I read the description. Mandoble goes straight thru, then climbs. The opponent pulls up into an Immelmann. They are both flying in or close to the same plane, ie the vertical, and, essentially, in the same circle. See Shaw, page 81, figure 2-15. BTW, read Shaw's discussion of the one/two circle fight and you will see little reference to energy but lots of talk about turn performance.
As to my mindset on these posts...I strongly endorse folks passing along tips and techniques. I think your enthusiasm is great and I'd like to see it be contagious. I don't want to play the role of 'know-it-all', but at the same time, I won't let incorrect info pass without comment. It's a lousy job but someone has to do it!!
Jekyll
>>and being out of trim can bleed your airspeed and energy substantially.<<
Good comments on the issue of trimming, but we need to differentiate between trimming off control pressures and an out-of trim flight control surface. If you fly around with your rudder trimmed out of alignment, it will tend to produce unnecessary drag.
But...if you are holding back stick pressure to maintain a desired attitude, the fact that the stick is not trimmed has no effect on airspeed. The elevator is going to be deflected whether you have it trimmed or not. It's not the out of trim that produces the extra drag, it's the control surface deflection to begin with.
>>OK. Just off the top of my head, I'd say to learn the pure vertical zoom merge, oblique immelman, barrel roll attack and flat turn merge<<
Fair enough. Let's get the terminology right. The 'oblique Immelmann' is called a pitchback...a descending similar maneuver is the slice. A 'barrel roll attack' has absolutely nothing to do with a merge...it is a BFM maneuver intended to solve an excessive aspect angle and is usually performed behind the bandit's wingline.
I see only two merge options...you either turn or you don't. Everything else is a subset of those two.
>>Err.. did I remember to say PRACTICE YOUR VIEWS!!!<<
There's no better advice.
Here is what I emphasize when using snap views...(1) the importance of maintaining SA with your nose position, (2) Configuring your snap views to get the best possible advantageous perspective...AH is outstanding in this regard,(3) maintaining an awareness of the lift vector when changing views,(4) understanding how to maneuver out of plane using snap views...in other words, avoiding the 'G for brains' syndrome.
Lastly...and well into the FWIW dept...compared to what RL BFM looks like, snap views are an aberration. They have a certain usefulness for maintaing a good bogey scan, but that's about it. I realize that this is a no-win issue...but I can tell you this. I have yet to meet a snap view advocate that has ever done this for real...they may be out there..I just haven't run across them!
Andy
