Jasta Flight Formations
ECHELON (LEFT & RIGHT)
This is the simplest of formations. It can hold from 2 to 12
planes. Planes in the formation will line up of the lead's right or side at a
135- degree angle. Each plane forms off its previous slot on the same side, at
the same angle (2 forms off of 1, 3 forms off 2, etc.). Each plane is 10 feet (
3,33 meter ) above or below the plane it follows. The Echelon forms the core of
most other formations, and can be considered to be a generic or fallback
formation. It can be used for takeoffs, landings, or patrolling the skies for
enemies.
VEE
This formation requires three planes. It has a lead, one plane
in left Echelon, and one in right Echelon. Both stack 10 feet ( 3,33 meter )
above or below the lead.
DIAMOND
The Diamond adds a plane to the Vee. The fourth plane follows
directly behind the lead and at a
135-degree angle from slots 2 and 3. From the lead, slots 2 and 3 are 10 feet (
3,33 meter ) below.
WEDGE
This formation adds 2 planes to the Vee. This formation puts 2
planes of either side of the lead in Echelons. All planes form on the slot
before them in the echelon ( 4 forms on 2, 2 forms on the lead). All planes
stack 10 feet ( 3,33 meter ) below the plane they follow.
DELTA
The Delta can handle any were from 6 to 12 planes. At its
minimum number of planes, it looks like a combination of a Diamond and a wedge.
Beyond the first 6 planes in the formation, additional planes line up in Echelons,
aside from slots 9 and 10, that forms behind 2 and 3, respectively. Planes must
be added in pairs( and in slot order - 7 and 8 must be filled before 9 and 10,
etc. ) , so this formation is only available to flights of 6, 8, 10, or 12
planes. All planes in Echelons are stacked 10 feet ( 3,33 meter ) below the slot
they follow, and planes directly behind another plane ( slot 6, 9, and 10 )
stack 20 feet ( 6,66 meter ) below.
VIC
A Vic formation is basically the same as a Vee, except that
pairs of planes can be added, up to a maximum of 12. The means that the Vic can
have 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 planes in the formation. All planes are in right or left
echelon from the lead, stacking 10 feet ( 3,33 meter ) down per plane.
IN TRAIL (LINE ASTERN)
The in In Trail formation is simply a row of planes, each lined
up behind the plane it follows. The formation can have any were from 2 to 12
planes. This is a good takeoff formation. Its tactical use is limited, however.
WALL (LINE ABREAST)
The wall is another good takeoff formation. The lead is at the
far left, and additional planes line up to the right. This formation has a zero
stack, meaning that all planes are at the same altitude. 2 to 12 planes are
possible.
LOW ALTITUDE (STRAFE)
This four-plane formation is generally limited to ground attack.
Planes line up in a Right Echelon from the lead, but their angle to the lead is
much steeper (150 degrees, instead of the usual 135 degrees). Planes always
stack up from the lead, so they don't crash into the ground during the attack.
FLUID FOUR
This generic, four-plane formation is useful for patrols;
planes stack down.
SECTION AND STINGER
This is a formation designed to lure the enemy in to attack the
two forward elements, while the third waits to drop down on the engaged enemy.
Slot 1 and slot 2 of the formation lines up on the lead in a normal Right
Echelon, while slot 3 follows far behind and high above. If the first two slots
are engaged, slot 3 is in a great position to finish off the enemy. Useful in
patrols.
Pictures are sourced from the official RB3D Manual
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