Building the Future Air Force: Analysis of Platform versus Weapon Development
Abstract
This monograph proposes that platform development and employment is more important than weapon development and employment on the modern battlefield. The historical analysis examines the Air Force's conceptualization of warfare, as derived from both the doctrine and national policies preceding the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. The conceptualization of future warfare informed the development and acquisition of both platforms and weapons employed during the previously mentioned conflicts. The monograph assesses the platforms and weapons against several interdependent criteria. Specifically, the analysis assesses platform survivability, flexibility, and payload; and weapon yield and precision. The monograph reveals the lag between security policy changes and the acquisition of new platforms and weapons, which enable the policy. This delay constrains the nature of warfare in a given conflict, and limits the effectiveness of the stated policy. The interval is even greater for platforms, making platform development more important than weapon development. Based on the unpredictable nature of warfare, adaptable platforms prove most valuable on the modern battlefield.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1021962
Entities
People
- Ryan W. Ellis
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies