In WWII Japanese Zeros could out fly allied aircraft. At its height, the zero had a manueverability and climb rate that was unmatched.
An aviator of the US Navy, John S. Thach devised a tactic, now known as the "Thach Weave" that would give F4F american fighters a better chance at defeating the zeros.
Begin with 2 allied fighters. As a Zero commits to following one plane, both allied planes will now engage in a looping maneouver until the zero is in the sight of the other allied plane.
Just by looking at the diagram, it looks pretty simple. But I'm quite sure there was a lot more to it than that. Timing must have been crucial, above all.
I came across this technique thru the web a year or two ago and it just took my breath away.
What I find interesting is that it's dependent on distracting the enemy, getting him to be totally absorbed in one target, to the exclusion of all things.
John S Thach retired a Navy Admiral. The frigate Thach (FFG-43) was named in his honor.
Coool.
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