1. Radar and Early Warning System: Britain had a sophisticated network of radar stations that provided early warning of incoming German air raids, allowing the RAF to scramble its fighters in time.
2. Sector Control and Interception: The RAF's fighter defense was organized into sectors, each covered by a fighter squadron (later called "Wings") that had well-defined patrol zones. When radar detected enemy formations, the sector controller would direct the fighters to intercept them before they could reach their targets.
3. The Big Wing Formation: The RAF developed the tactic of flying in large formations known as "Wings", typically comprising multiple fighter squadrons. These formations were more difficult for the German fighters to break up and allowed the RAF to maximize its firepower.
4. Use of Height: The RAF typically flew at a higher altitude than the German bombers, giving them an advantage in terms of potential energy and making it harder for the bombers to engage effectively.
5. Spitfires and Hurricanes: Britain's two main fighter planes during the Battle of Britain were the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane. Both aircraft had their advantages, with the Spitfire having superior speed and maneuverability, while the Hurricane was more durable.
6. Dogfight Tactics: When the RAF fighters intercepted German bombers, they engaged in close-quarters combat, known as dogfighting. The British pilots employed a variety of tactics, such as the "Thach Weave" and the "Scramble", which allowed them to gain an advantage in aerial engagements.
7. Defensive Measures: In addition to the fighter defense, Britain implemented various defensive measures, such as the use of barrage balloons to deter low-level attacks, decoy airfields to confuse German navigation, and the construction of thousands of air-raid shelters to protect civilians.
8. Civilian Resilience: The determination and resilience of the British people in facing the relentless bombing raids were crucial to the nation's ability to withstand the pressure and ultimately achieve victory in the Battle of Britain.
Overall, Britain's tactics in the Battle of Britain combined skillful fighter defense, early warning systems, effective leadership, and the unwavering spirit of its pilots and citizens, which proved critical in countering the German air campaign and securing victory.