Diamond formation
A diamond formation is a formation of four or more aircraft, soldiers on horseback, players in a team sport, etc. whereby the position of the individuals when viewed as a whole resembles a diamond, or kite, shape.
Aircraft
A diamond formation is done by starting with one aircraft, and then increasing by one, the number of aircraft in each successive row, and then decreasing again by one until there is only one aircraft in the last row, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 2, 1. The flight position is such that there is no aircraft facing the tail of any aircraft in front.
At least four aircraft are required for this formation. The largest number of sixteen (1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1) is known as a "tight formation". Rarely attempted on jet aircraft, this feat was first achieved by the Pakistan Air Force in 1964 on U.S.-made F-86 Sabres. It is considered a difficult formation as the aircraft have to fly very close to each other, and the closer the planes are together, the more authentic is the formation. Similarly, the larger the number of aircraft, the higher the risk involved (as compared to other formations).
Military
Diamond formations have been used in warfare particularly by cavalry throughout known history.[1]
Sport
Football
A formation in association football where the four midfield players are positioned in the shape of a diamond.
Ice Hockey
A defensive formation used during a penalty kill.
See also
- Military Organization