CAP
"The Combat Air Patrol mission requires two or four fighters to fly an oval path at medium altitude, the longest part of the oval is aligned towards any threat country or area.  the aircraft on this oval route will be divided equally so that one (pair) flies opposite the other (pair) on the oval path, and all aircraft move around the oval path in the same direction.  The intention is that at any one time there is one (pair) of aircraft with its radar pointed towards the threat.
Several of these CAP's will be set up separated by  five to fifty miles, and can be used to gain control of the sky in a particular area, or as a barrier to protect other forces.
The mission is best fulfilled by a fighter that has good inherent endurance and air refuelling ability, as well as the usual air combat virtues.  Extra fuel tanks will be necessary in order to remain on patrol for long periods."







