The MiGs operated in large formations
at 50,000 feet or more, out of Sabre range, and
attacked with the "bounce," diving down on
Sabre patrols whenever they chose. Our tactical
solution was the "jet stream" of 16 Sabres
divided into four-aircraft flights, each of which
entered the Alley at five-minute intervals and at
different altitudes. As soon as one flight was engaged
by the MiGs the others converged on the fight. Using a
"fluid four" tactical formation, two element
leaders each covered by a wingman, although operating
at a considerable initial disadvantage the mutually
supporting Sabre formations with their generally
superior pilots were able to meet the MiG's bounce
with a vigorous counter-attack.
