The Requirement for Wild Weasel Defense Suppression Assets in Reducing Aircraft Attrition
Abstract
This study examines three aspects of the suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) mission. First is the history of electronic combat. This thesis covers the history of aerial electronic combat beginning with the introduction of radar controlled antiaircraft gun and missile systems after World War II. Other areas discussed include the development of the first Wild Weasel aircraft during the Vietnam conflict and the lessons learned from the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Recent hostilities include the Falklands conflict, the Bekka Valley debacle, and the 1986 raid on Libya by U.S. forces. The second aspect covers the Soviet radar threat. Presentation of the Soviet threat discusses doctrine, employment of the Soviet air defense system, the capabilities and weaknesses of each Soviet radar system, and concludes with an insight to future Soviet weapons systems. The final portion of the thesis provides an analysis of fighter attrition and a cost effectiveness analysis to determine when the Wild Weasel force reaches a cost effective break even point. Concluding remarks discuss the validity of using Wild Weasel assets as a cost effective and viable method of lethal defense suppression in reducing aircraft attrition. Theses. (fr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198044
Entities
People
- Robert H. Haseloff
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College