"Go in close, and when you think you are in too close, go in closer."

MAJ Thomas "Tommy" McGuire, USAAF

Second Leading U.S. Ace, WW-II, 38 Victories

The "Sucker-Spin" does just that. It is a maneuver for the EXPERIENCED pilot, and it gives you an unbeatable ally, Mother Nature. This maneuver works best in something like a WW-II prop job simulator, and was a common tactic of WW-I German pilots. The maneuver is basically designed to bring both you and the enemy close to the ground… dangerously close. If you like to fly by the seat of your pants then you'll love it.

By bringing the enemy close to the ground you had better be an excellent pilot. I recommend using this when you are low on ammo, alone, and get jumped by multiple aircraft. The smart enemy will not follow you, however the arrogant and ignorant ones will. If the enemy suffers damage or stupidity at low altitude, then Mother Nature will prove once again that two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time… You won't get credit for the kill, but you will be able to make a toast to your late opponent at dinner.

Now, this maneuver is not recommended for jet fighters (except in canyon scenarios) because jets predominantly have the thrust to weight ratio necessary to get altitude back… and ultimately put you in a bad position. If one jet strays, and gets altitude, then you will have more than fuel to worry about.

Once you get close to the ground, then hold on, you're in for a wild weasel kind of ride, you'll have to do some serious maneuvering to keep your six clear. I recommend getting between two mountains and staying in a neutral to positive attitude angle with a constant turn. If the enemy lacks in power, angle, or wing area, then they will make a divot. I once flew a P-38 simulated mission against seven zeros…four of them became a permanent part of the mountains, one pancaked, one flamed, and one bugged out… I was Homeplate bound.