Split-S Proceedure

Roll inverted
Pull back on the stick to perform a half loop
Level out

Use of the Split-S

When you want to trade altitude for speed
As an evasive maneuver for defense
As an attack from above for offense

The first Split-S I’ll show is a standard roll, it’s not aggressive.

Standard Split-S

Roll inverted
Pull back for a half-loop
Level out

So we get ready, we roll inverted, we pull back on the stick, perform a half-loop and then level out. We have now lost altitude and we’ve gained extra speed.

Snap Roll into Spit-S

Yank the stick to the 7:00(roll left) or 4:00(roll right) position
Once inverted, apply full opposite rudder
Then pull back

To pull into the snap-roll you have to yank into the 7:00 or 4:00 position, and once your inverted you have to apply full opposite rudder, and then pull back. Doing the Split-S this way completes the maneuver faster and is more aggressive. External views

Combat Example: S.E.5a

2 aircraft on my 6 just shooting at me, some ?jenking? maneuver here to avoid getting hit. I’m in trouble at this point, trying to use the superior roll rate, get into a Split-S nice and fast, get out of their sight underneath their 6, then extend.

That was the Split-S maneuver