Terms used throughout the maneuver descriptions.
- Angle-Off (AO)
- The difference in heading between the two aircraft. Zero angle-off means both are flying the same direction.
- Aspect Angle (AA)
- The angle from the target's tail to the attacker, measured at the target. 0° is dead six and 180° is head-on.
- Turn Circle
- The circle an aircraft traces in a sustained turn. Getting inside the bandit's turn circle is the key to an offensive position.
- Lift Vector
- An imaginary arrow out of the canopy, perpendicular to the wings. A pilot "places the lift vector" to aim the turn.
- Corner Speed
- The lowest speed at which the aircraft can reach its maximum G. It gives the best instantaneous turn rate and the smallest radius.
- Specific Energy
- Altitude plus airspeed, the fighter's currency. Climbing trades speed for height, diving trades height back for speed.
- Overshoot
- When the attacker passes in front of or beyond the defender's flight path and loses the offensive.
- Plane of Motion
- The plane in which an aircraft is turning. Leaving the bandit's plane of motion buys turn room without adding G.
- 3/9 Line
- An imaginary line through the wingtips. Being behind the bandit's 3/9 line is generally offensive.
- Weapons Engagement Zone (WEZ)
- The range and angle envelope in which a weapon can be fired with a reasonable chance of a hit.