Boom and Zoom
by Soda

Different from the TnB, the BnZ involves a more vertical style of fighting, and typically a more skilled use of energy resources. The key is, you start out with an energy advantage, then make a number of dives on you target, maneuvering in order to get a shot as you pass, only to climb again immediately back up to your higher level. Repeat as necessary until you manage to kill the enemy or you run out of energy. It forces the enemy to maneuver to avoid you, but usually does not allow him to apply any pressure to you (although maybe a HO if he gets his nose pointed at you). Each time you make your attack, you climb back up to a position of relative safety (at least from the enemy you are attacking). Even if there area number of enemies at a level below you, you are only vulnerable during the time at the bottom of each pass, when you are fastest and a tough target.

BnZ style fighting tends to be more advanced and requires more precise timing. Some planes are also better suited to BnZ since you intend to spend more time at higher speeds than a typical TnB fight. It doesn’t rely as much on your sustained turning ability, relying more on having enough turn rate to get into position to attack an enemy who is maneuvering to avoid your quick and slashing passes. Continuously tracking the enemy to win angles is not the primary goal. You are instead trying to predict where the enemy is going to be when you arrive in guns range, constantly updating your course until you take your shot, or decide you cannot make the shot and return to your higher perch.