Virage and Step Formation Definitions

[stephen]

When a US pilot performed a "virage," what exactly is the maneuver? Also, when Germans were in a four-plane "step formation," what exactly was it? Thanks.

[Romani]

A "virage" is a turn.

A "step" is an "echelon" formation. The airplanes fly in a diagonal line in the horizontal, ech to one one side and slightly behind the preceding aircraft. And of course, they can fly at different altitudes forming a "staircase" of "steps" in the air, ascending or descending, forming a diagonal line in the vertical plane as well

The aim behind any formation is command and control to fly orderly without risk of collision, specially important without radio, with the airplanes flying together close enough to see the signals of the leader.

The echeloning in the horizontal and vertical is also for spotting purposes, so the pilots in the formation can cover each other blind spots.

The echeloning in the vertical has other advantages, reducing vulnerability to antiaircraft fire, since a single salvo can't hit all the airplanes like if they were flying at the same altitude.

It also reduces vulnerability when attacked by a fighter from above.

[stephen]

Great! Thanks! I know exactly what an echelon formation is, but I didn't know that "step" formation was just another name for the same thing. Its all clear now.

I thought that a virage was a series of descending turns, sort of like a falling leaf, rather than a single turn?

[EdStevens]

"Virage" is simply the word for "turning" in French. It's not specifically an aviation term.