In Sept 42 the sqns were brought closer together with the introduction of the 18 plane groups, each made up of two sqns with 9 planes each. The sqns flew in three unstaggered Vics with the lead sqn 500 ft below the second sqn which was slightly behind and echeloned towards the sun.

Widened the frontage

Concentrated firepower

Imposed an inflexible linear formation.

Outer aircraft found it difficult to respond to a turn by the lead aircraft. The outer planes found it difficult to respond to a turn by the lead plane, causing the planes to straggle and lose touch.

Linear deployment did not allow for mutual support in fields of fire.

Aircraft are closer together