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formation flying
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Thunderbirds U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying in formation.

formation flying

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Written by
Debbie Gary
Writer. Contributor to Air & Space Magazine; Aviation News and others.
Debbie Gary
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formation flying, two or more aircraft traveling and maneuvering together in a disciplined, synchronized, predetermined manner. In a tight formation, such as is typically seen at an air show, aircraft may fly less than three feet (one metre) apart and must move in complete harmony, as if they are joined together. 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. By 1918 the smallest fighting unit was two aircraft flying in formation. German flight leaders, such as Oswald ...(100 of 720 words)

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