The Transformation of American Air Power (Cornell Studies in Security Affairs)
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: October 2000
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 337
ISBN-13: 9780801438165
Subjects: Defence strategy, planning & research; Weapons & equipment; c 1945 to c 1960; Military - Aviation; U.S. Foreign Relations; U.S. History - 1950s; United States; History; Politics / Current Events; Military; USA; Military - United States; Military Science; Political Freedom & Security - International Secur; Air power; United States.; 20th century; Air Force; History, Military
First sentence: American air power underwent a quantum leap in credibility after the opening days of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Description: "Since the unprecedentedly effective performance of the allied air campaign against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, the role of American air power in future wars has become a topic of often heated public debate.

In this balanced appraisal of air power's newly realized strengths in joint warfare, Benjamin Lambeth, a defense analyst and civilian pilot who has flown in most of the equipment described in this book, explores the extent to which the United States can now rely on air-delivered precision weapons in lieu of ground forces to achieve strategic objectives and minimize American casualties.".

"Beginning with the U.S. experience in Southeast Asia and detailing how failures there set the stage for a sweeping refurbishment of the nation's air warfare capability, Lambeth reviews the recent history of American air power, including its role in the Gulf War and in later operations over Bosnia, Kosovo, and Serbia. He examines improvements in areas ranging from hardware development to aircrew skills and organizational adaptability.".

"Lambeth acknowledges that the question of whether air power should operate independently or continue to support land operations is likely to remain contentious. He concludes, however, that air power, its strategic effectiveness proven, can now set the conditions for victory even from the outset of combat if applied to its fullest potential."--BOOK JACKET.