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Re: USAAF Battle Formations
Yes the gap between squadrons in a group mission was 1 mile, between elements in a flight of 4 was 250 yds.; a 16-plane squadron was spread over at least 2 miles. If a flight needed to change position in a 90* turn and still maintain side-by-side elements, the second element (nos. 3-4) passed under the lead (nos.1-2), so when completed their relative positions were reversed.
Formations were opened up just before the coast was reached, an improvement on earlier Eighth ops. (P-38s & P-47s) where spacings were closer (more risk of collisions and less chance to spot enemy aircraft).
Regards
Nick
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