The Lost Art of Air Superiority: US Pursuit Aviation, 1919 to 1941

Abstract

This study examines the development of US pursuit aviation during the interwar period, 1919 to 1941. During this period, airmen struggled to develop a coherent airpower theory from their experiences in World War I. With only one war to base their theories upon, airmen based much of their developing theories upon speculation. In some ways their theories proved correct, in others, they missed the target. World War II tested their theories and quickly highlighted the shortcomings of interwar US airpower doctrine. Pursuit aviation was one branch of US airpower where airmen had missed their mark.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA477101

Entities

People

  • Andrew R. Brabson

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Airframes
  • Employment
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Military Aircraft
  • Military Aviation
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • Students
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • History

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Theoretical Analysis.