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Attached file is from Flight Tutorial #4, running Build 1009.31.1.

Group Vetch27 (2x F-16I) has just been ordered to attack the Cessna 208 using F1. Vetch27 is about 50 NM from the target.

Vetch27 will fire a single AIM-120 at about 43 NM. After the missile is on the way, Vetch27 will change heading about 60° and slow to 350 knots.

In unit view, though, we see Sufa #2 still closing the target in afterburner while Sufa #1 (the shooter) cranks. By the time the missile hits, Sufa #2 is almost 15 NM ahead of Sufa #1.

I think the whole flight should crank in this situation, not just Sufa #1. It doesn't seem quite right for the wingman to charge the target with his hair on fire while the flight lead cranks.

Could it be that they are leapfrogging?
Wingman runs ahed while the opponenet is engaged by the leader, if the first missile fails then the wingman would be nearer for the second shot.
Don't know if it's a real tactic or not but it could make sense.

Could it be that they are leapfrogging?

That's a good thought, but I don't believe CMANO is splitting the group on purpose.

The CMANO definition of cranking: What does "Cranking" mean?

CMANO 1.15's Doctrine / ROE / EMCON -> General dialog has these options in the Air Ops -> BVR engagement logic menu:

Follow missile straight in
Crank if possible
Crank and drag if possible

I'd select "Follow missile straight in" if I wanted to get close to the target while a BVR missile is enroute.

Cranking keeps the flight as far away as possible from the target while keeping the target inside the shooter's radar arc. This allows mid-course guidance for terminal homing AAMs (like AIM-120), or illumination of the target all the way to impact for semi-active AAMs (like AIM-7).

If the bandit has all-aspect missiles, wing charging ahead while lead cranks is an engraved invitation for the wingman to get shot in the face.