engage in an aerial battle with another fighter plane
a one-on-one battle between two planes, each trying to shoot the other down before it is itself shot down
Combat between aircraft or spacecraft, typically fighters.
Engaging enemy fighters at close range.
A dogfight or dog fight is a common term used to describe close-range aerial combat between military aircraft. The term originated during World War I, and probably derives from the preferred fighter tactic of positioning one's aircraft behind the enemy aircraft. From this position, a pilot could fire his guns on the enemy without having to lead the target, and the enemy aircraft could not effectively fire back.