Aircrafts

The use of aircraft in combat has changed the face of modern warfare. Aircraft have come a long way, from the pre-World War I bombers like the German Zeppelin to the Air Force’s latest fighters like the Raptor and Lightning II.

During WWII, air-to-air combat became increasingly important. Equipped with radar, powerful jet engines, and sophisticated missiles, aircraft themselves were transformed into serious weapons of war. WWII also saw the introduction of airborne infantry operations, including paratroopers and glider-borne troops, as well as close air support, where aircraft served as “airborn artillery” to attack ground forces from close range. Of course, some aircraft didn’t see the light of day after the war, such as one of Hitler’s “secret weapons,” a disc-shaped aircraft resembling a UFO.

In the Vietnam War, fighter planes such as the MiG-killing Phantom proved very successful in air-to-air combat, and bombing campaigns directed at supply routes along the Ho Chi Minh trail demonstrated the effectiveness of the air war in general. The Marines also introduced helicopters into combat, such as the “Jolly Green Giant” and “Huey,” which allowed fully equipped troops to be delivered to the battlefield quickly and to make surprise assaults. Cargo haulers were also extremely helpful aircraft during the war in delivering supplies to the battlefield.

Air-to-air combat also played a large role in the Korean War, as it was the first conflict where both sides employed fighter aircraft. The U.S Air Force dominated the air until the Chinese Air Force introduced its MiG-15s, and flying aces on both sides engaged in impressive “dog fighting.” Meanwhile, spy planes engaged in dangerous surveillance missions.

Operation Desert Storm owed its success largely to a highly effective air war. Over 100,000 sorties destroyed military and civilian infrastructure through an aerial bombing campaign. Initial strikes involved Tomahawk cruise missiles, anti-radar missiles, stealth bombers, and laser-guided smart bombs. Fighter bombers like the Thunderbolt followed these initial attacks, and Apache and Cobra attack helicopters fired aircraft weapons such as Hellfire missiles and TOW missiles.

In the following fascinating DVD books, further explore the history of aircraft through videos with expert commentary, as well as full-length books complete with photos, maps, and timelines.