Counter-air patrol
Counter-air patrol, known as Flower missions in
air superiority by maintaining patrols above and around enemy airfields.[1]
Aircraft are vulnerable on take off, fully loaded and working to gain altitude and speed. The aim of the counter-air patrol was to pick off enemy fighters as they took off and during their climb to an operational height. Fighter sweeps were used both to attrit the enemy and to provide cover for bombing raids by forcing enemy fighters to protect their own airfields.
References
- ^ "What Did Fighter Command Do After The Battle Of Britain?". Imperial War Museum. Retrieved 15 December 2017.