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- The focus of formation flying is to maintain a targeted orbit configuration of various spacecraft. Having multiple satellites fly in a specific geometry avoids the technical and financial challenge of building one satellite of equivalent size.
www.nasa.gov/ames-engineering/spaceflight-division/flight-dynamics/formation-flying/
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Why is formation flying important?
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What is formation flying?
Formation flying developed in World War I, when fighter aircraft escorted reconnaissance aircraft over enemy territory. Fighter squadrons soon discovered that fighting in pairs reduced their losses and increased their victories.
- Debbie Gary
Formation flying is the flight of multiple objects in coordination. Formation flying occurs in nature among flying and gliding animals, and is also conducted in human aviation, often in military aviation and air shows. A multitude of studies have been performed on the performance benefits of aircraft flying in formation.
Jun 4, 2013 · Not just for demonstration teams, the art and science of formation flying is useful for many reasons. Military pilots learn formation for mutual defense and protection, mission integrity, navigation, target strike and concentration of firepower.
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Formation flight.A flight consisting of more than one aircraft which, by prior arrangement between the pilots, operates as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting, as well as clearances issued by ATC. Source: EUROCONTROL ATM Lexicon
Formation flying was born as a means of mutual support and protection in times of aerial warfare. It was quickly discovered that multiple aircraft working together achieve far greater results while also reducing risk to all formation members. Flying large numbers of aircraft in formation meant organization was necessary for safety and efficiency. W...
Formation flights are only allowed if prearrangement exists among the pilots-in-command of the participating aircraft. If the flight is to be performed in controlled airspace, this is to be done in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority.
Separation
Within the formation flight, responsibility for separation lies with the pilots-in-command of the participating aircraft. This includes transition periods when aircraft within the formation are manoeuvring in closer proximity than prescribed minimum IFR separation during formation break-up or formation join-up. Controllers do not provide separation between the formation elements but separate the formation itself (considered as a single flight) and other traffic depending on the applicable pro...
Communication and Identification
In making initial contact with the ATC unit, formation leaders should clearly state the number of aircraft in the formation. All ATC instructions and clearancesare to be addressed to the formation leader. Nevertheless, all aircraft in the formation must monitor the relevant ATC frequency. No universal SSR codeprocedures are developed, therefore these may vary from country to country. Normally, a discrete code is assigned to the lead aircraft, and all other aircraft are instructed to squawk "s...
Coordination
During all co-ordination between ATSunits, traffic information and handover messages, controllers must: 1. clearly state the number of aircraft in a formation; 2. identify the full extent of any formation of more than 1 NM in length (or is otherwise to be considered as non-standard).
Formation flying is often used to sharpen aviation skills, provide assistance or support during long cross country journeys, and to undertake aerial photography. The ability to fly in formation is always handy, especially when meeting up with pilot friends at a fly-in, assisting with moving aircraft out of the path of a hurricane, or deciding ...
Dec 19, 2023 · The focus of formation flying is to maintain a targeted orbit configuration of various spacecraft. Having multiple satellites fly in a specific geometry avoids the technical and financial challenge of building one satellite of equivalent size.
Oct 5, 2022 · The formula for a successful formation flight is not hard to understand. The training, discipline and effort put into flying formation the right way will make it a safe and fun experience.
