Immelmann vs Zoom

[SgtRock57]

In practical application in WWI, was there much difference?

[flash]

A zoom attack, boom & zoom as it's known, involves diving from altitude, hitting the target (boom) and pulling up to regain altitude (zoom).
It's suggested that Immelmann dove in front of his target, climbed from beneath for a shot then reversed from above to get onto the tail of his target for another go, if needed, or he attacked from the beam, the target would typically turn into the attack or dive away and Immelmann reversed rapidly to get on their tail. Apparently he never documented his manoeuvre in any way but surviving witnesses described these attacks.
Immelmann would pitch his Eindecker’s nose up at a high angle, causing the speed bled off. Then he would kick over the rudder and the plane would drop around into an extreme form of a tight turning “chandelle” that placed him above and behind his opponent in a position to fire again within scant seconds of his first attack.


In game terms the zoom style of attack often leads to an Immelmann for a quick reverse to make another zoom style attack.

[camelbeagle]

I like the visual! Thanks Flash!

[flash]

Here's a Split S for sake of completion -

[CrashCraig]

Dave - these diagrams are so good I think I am getting airsick!