Airpower Theory and Application: An Historical Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the development of US airpower theory and its major applications. The focus of the study is on offensive applications of airpower and on interdiction and strategic bombing in particular. The study reveals that a mature airpower theory has not been matched by a commensurate effective application of airpower. In World War II, the theory already existed, but the capability had to be built. In Korea, airpower was politically limited to a void expansion of the war in what was perceived as an enemy strategic ploy. In Vietnam, policy-makers deliberately limited airpower to a gradual application which proved far less effective that its potential.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 06, 1980
Accession Number
ADA095476

Entities

People

  • Donald A. Streater

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Bombing
  • Congress
  • Economic Systems
  • Employment
  • Foreign Relations
  • Geography
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Theoretical Analysis.