Lightning Strikes and Thunder Claps: The Strategic Bomber and Air Superiority
Abstract
The bomber has occupied the center of Air Force doctrine since the advent of airpower redefined power projection. In 1926 the US Army s Training Regulation no. 440-15, Fundamental Principles for the Employment of the Air Service, stated that airpower should be used offensively, primarily to secure the control of the air, and, secondarily, to disrupt and delay enemy communications and ground establishments. 1 The primary function became known as air superiority. Even during the early days of aviation, the importance of aerial bombardment in establishing air superiority became readily apparent. As the bomber s attributes of range, payload, and precision matured over a number of major conflicts, the establishment of air superiority over enemy territory together with the efficiencies associated with this process developed as well. Today, high-technology capabilities make an adversary s air defenses difficult to defeat. Although the bomber s attributes have decreased the amount of time needed to attain air superiority, they are no longer sufficient to overcome modern defenses. The heavy bomber s ability to strike critical command and control (C2) nodes, severely damage enemy airfields, and degrade air defenses with great precision early in a conflict can still give the United States a distinct and overwhelming advantage. However, if we wish to maintain a capable bomber force as well as remain competitive in a contested environment, both modernization and acceleration of the speed of offensive operations must become a strategic and operational imperative. Unfortunately, air superiority historically has been more closely associated with the fighter force while bombers have played their crucial role in relative obscurity since the end of World War II. In a high-technology conflict, the rapid attainment of air superiority will prove essential.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570461
Entities
People
- Wade S. Karren
Organizations
- Air and Space Power Journal