Big Wing tactic
대편대 전술
The Big Wing was an operational method used in the Battle of Britain that assembled several RAF fighter squadrons into one large formation to meet Luftwaffe bomber raids with superior numbers. It was supported by Trafford Leigh-Mallory and Douglas Bader and employed by the Duxford Wing, but became controversial because of the time needed to assemble it and uncertainty over claims of enemy losses.
In depth
Employment and controversy
The proposal generally grouped three to five squadrons into a wing formation to intercept German raids. It was favoured by commanders in No. 12 Group, particularly at Duxford, and contrasted with No. 11 Group's practice of sending smaller formations into action quickly. Critics argued that a Big Wing could arrive late or leave fighters vulnerable while refuelling on the ground, and that the confusion of a large engagement could inflate claims of enemy aircraft destroyed.
The RAF debate therefore concerned not only tactical results but also the conditions for concentration, command, and the transmission of information.