The Wingman: A Legacy of Aerial Bravery

The video explains the historical role of wingmen in aerial combat through the example of Oswald Boelcke.
This is Military Mechanics, and today we will look at the Ghost Bat. On August the 9th, 19 15, Oswald Boelcke was already acting in the role when he shot down a French airplane using Max Immelmann, making the concept of a wingman as old as fighter aviation. Among a wingman's primary responsibilities is remaining close to the leader of the aerial formation. A wingman should never lose the leader. This requires that the wingman watch what is in front of them while warning the leader of threats from the rear. To protect the leader, the wingman needs to react constantly according to his surroundings and movements. Wingmen are expected to remain with the leader, even at the cost of giving up an easy kill. This is a tough job.