Although there are credible threats to the United States Global Positioning System (GPS), sustainment of the constellation remains the greatest challenge. As GPS satellites reach the end of their operational life cycle, there is a risk the United...
This study investigates the barriers to adopting commercial products relating to aircraft avionics with the Department of Defense after the passage of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994. There has been a strong emphasis from...
This Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) describes the spectrum of worldwide systems and system trends in the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE). The updated and approved definition for COE is as follows: The contemporary operational...
Since 2001, U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft have flown combat sorties with abnormally high flight durations while participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. These longer sortie durations have added previously unanticipated...
During Operation Rolling Thunder, the United States Air Force was unprepared for the introduction of the SA-2 Guideline surface-to-air missile system into the North Vietnamese integrated air defense system (IADS). Following a series of aircraft...
Responding to comments made by the Secretary of Defense in April 2008, the United States Air Force began procuring thirty-seven C-12 class aircraft to augment existing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems already operating in the...
This study provides historical information on the F-111D in 1979 and 1980, the time period critical to the retention of the aircraft in the Air Force inventory. It serves as a case study focusing on those responsible for the management of the F-111...
In 1961, the new Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara directed a joint aircraft acquisition program called the TFX, which would produce the first common aerial platform for multiple services. The resulting drama, subterfuge and resistance by the...
Over the last eight years, combat operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) have put a tremendous strain on the US Army's aviation fleet. In February 2004, the Army canceled the cornerstone of Army Aviation Transformation, the $48...
This monograph suggests an airpower theory that helps explain why airpower does not result in quick, clean, economical, "ideal" war. The genesis of this study comes from the observation that airpower advocates, from early personalities such as...
Since the birth of the airplane, airpower has been used in an attempt to influence the outcome of ground battle. The effectiveness of the early aircraft in this role was limited by early aircraft design and the lack of standardized methods of...
This study addresses the role of the surface-to-air missile as it was used in a coordinated air defense system in North Vietnam and in the October '73 conflict in Israel and establishes the concept of the Wild Weasel as viable in modern warfare. It...
This study includes stateside readying of units and training to supply communications specialists, buildup of ground forces and accompanying communications, cooperation between combined arms communicators, and security issues.
With the United States 19 reliance on rapid power projection, there is little prospect demands on airlift will decrease. On the contrary, today 's significant gap between requirements and capabilities will likely increase as the nation faces new...
In 2015, the USAF plans to start its first class of F-35A Initial Qualification Training (IQT) students immediately following their graduation from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT). This class will signify the beginning of F-35A...
The Second Chechen War, which began on 23 September 1999 with massive Russian air strikes, bore little resemblance to the inconclusive campaign that had ended just three years earlier. In the earlier conflict, Russian Air Force operations...
The People's Republic of China (PRC) has improved its surface-to-surface missile capabilities over the last decade by acquiring foreign missile technology. Despite bans on the importation of missile-related items, the People's Liberation Army (PLA)...
In view of the decision to close the last Aggressor squadron in 1989, this study investigates the need to have an Aggressor force in the United States Air Force. The US originally formed the Aggressors after Project Red Baron identified...
Operation Desert Storm was one of the most successful military campaigns in United States history. Coalition air forces, led by the United States, waged an intense air campaign designed to weaken the Iraqi army prior to commencement of the ground...
Recent trends indicate that today’s aviation commissioned officer lacks the requisite flight skills necessary to successfully lead aviation units. This thesis examines the changes that have taken place in doctrinal aviation training manuals,...