Pilot, aviator is not just a profession. Most likely, this is a way of life and thoughts. Managing modern aircraft requires not only courage from a person. Special knowledge, special skills, composure and responsibility characterize the current pilot. Like all professionals, pilots have their own special vocabulary. Everything related to aviation is so popular that some concepts are used in everyday life. Shaving flight - words that not only boys know.
What is special about shaving flight?
Is it often possible to see an airplane or a helicopter at an altitude of only 5-10 meters above the ground? The answer is simple - rarely enough. But it is precisely the movement of the
aircraft at such a height that is called “shaving flight”. Not every plane can fly so low above the surface. The flight line should correspond to the relief features of the area. Obstacles above 25 meters are bent to preserve the stealth of the aircraft.
Usually, attack aircraft or reconnaissance aircraft move on a low-level flight. Pilots must possess not only courage and audacity, but also perfectly master the technique of controlling their fighter or helicopter, because the movement is performed at high speeds.
Ultra-Low Tactical Pluses
What is a shaving flight? There are serious positive aspects to the movement at such a low altitude during military operations with all the riskiness:
- inaccessibility of ground attack aircraft for anti-aircraft artillery; only direct-fire hits are possible;
- buildings and terrain, their own military forces or structures may interfere with the firing of flying on a shaving vehicle;
- enemy fighters lose maneuvering advantages due to the proximity of attack aircraft to the surface of the earth;
- it is difficult for a fighter to detect an enemy’s plane flying on a low-level flight from the air;
- bad weather, the presence of low clouds, local precipitation, or lower haze cannot be an obstacle to flying at low altitude;
- such adverse conditions for flights at other altitudes are used by pilots for surprise appearance;
- terrain features hide attack aircraft from hearing and eyes, from enemy equipment;
- attack on large and small objects can be aimed, increasing the number of hits.
All of these factors reduce the vulnerability of aviation. Being able to use local features (ravines, rivers, hills, groves and various structures), noiselessness and speed of appearance, it is possible to deliver such a sudden and stunning blow that the enemy will not be able to come to his senses and respond with air defense systems. Shaving flight is an excellent means of camouflaging attack aircraft even in open areas, as they practically merge with the horizon line.
Cons also available
To use a shaving flight, an aviator must have a certain amount of audacity and adventurism, along with the skill to control his aircraft. The disadvantages of ultra-low flights include the following:
- small viewing angle;
- very fast approach to goals;
- direct proximity to enemy targets;
- danger of falling under the explosions of both enemy and their shells and bullets;
- constant attention and strong crew stress;
- low maneuverability when turning;
- the slightest mistake in piloting can lead to a collision with an obstacle or with the ground;
- the possibility of using parachutes to save pilots is excluded.
Despite the known negative factors, shaving flight raises the combat qualities of aviation. The tactical and combat expediency of attack flights at extremely low altitudes is undeniable.