Tactical Fighters in Europe. Multi-Role or Single Mission.
Abstract
The problem addressed in this thesis is whether United States tactical fighter forces in Europe should train and equip for a multi-role capability or specialize in aircraft and training for a single mission. This question is extremely relevant as the United States Air Force is currently modernizing its fighter fleet by replacing the aging F-4 multi-role aircraft with the A-10, F-15, and F-16 aircraft. The modernization process has just begun in Europe and will continue through the mid-1980s. The relevancy of current and projected forces mixes and training doctrine was examined by focusing on effectiveness of the multi-role/single mission concepts in the past, aircraft and training requirements that are peculiar to the European environment, the Soviet threat, and current and projected United States fighter forces in Europe. The study concludes that specialized aircraft such as the A-10 and F-15 are ideal in Europe, but new multi-role designs such as the F-16, based on air superiority design requirements, are also highly effective. Training, however, must be specialized to the maximum extent possible to increase aircrew proficiency and expertise to the point where the aircrew, the new technology aircraft, and the weapons are capable of blunting a major Soviet invasion in Central Europe. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA059350
Entities
People
- Stephen B. Steele
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College