B-1B Lancer Units in Combat
B-1B Lancer Units in Combat

Author: Thomas Withington

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-11-20

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1782007504

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The development of the B-1B Lancer bomber was difficult to say the least. Originally conceived to fulfill a USAF requirement for an Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft, the original B-1A concept aircraft was accused of being a white elephant, capable of performing nothing which could not be achieved at less financial and human expense than an intercontinental ballistic missile. Cancelled by the Carter administration and finally commissioned by President Reagan as the modified B-1B, the Lancer began its duties as a nuclear-armed bomber in the mid-1980s. The end of the Cold War intervened and the jet was removed from its nuclear missions as a result of arms control legislation. However, the 1990s saw the metamorphosis of the Lancer into a potent conventional weapons carrier which has seen action in Iraq, the Balkans and Afghanistan. The Lancer has proved its critics wrong in demonstrating its use as a highly flexible and hard-working bomber, able to undertake diverse missions ranging from CAS to the targeting of weapons-of-mass-destruction installations.

B-1B Lancer Units in Combat
B-1B Lancer Units in Combat

Author: Thomas Withington

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-11-20

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1782006885

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The development of the B-1B Lancer bomber was difficult to say the least. Originally conceived to fulfill a USAF requirement for an Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft, the original B-1A concept aircraft was accused of being a white elephant, capable of performing nothing which could not be achieved at less financial and human expense than an intercontinental ballistic missile. Cancelled by the Carter administration and finally commissioned by President Reagan as the modified B-1B, the Lancer began its duties as a nuclear-armed bomber in the mid-1980s. The end of the Cold War intervened and the jet was removed from its nuclear missions as a result of arms control legislation. However, the 1990s saw the metamorphosis of the Lancer into a potent conventional weapons carrier which has seen action in Iraq, the Balkans and Afghanistan. The Lancer has proved its critics wrong in demonstrating its use as a highly flexible and hard-working bomber, able to undertake diverse missions ranging from CAS to the targeting of weapons-of-mass-destruction installations.

RAF Canberra Units of the Cold War
RAF Canberra Units of the Cold War

Author: Andrew Brookes

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2014-06-20

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1782004122

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

From its first public demonstration at the Farnborough Airshow of 1949, the English Electric Canberra bomber captured the attention of the aviation world. It could outmanoeuvre all the fighters of the time and it could climb way above their operating ceilings. Yet this Cold War equivalent of the Mosquito was simple to maintain and a delight to fly, although it could bite any pilot who did not treat it with respect. The Canberra B 2 first flew on 21 April 1950 and entered frontline service with No 101 Sqn in May 1951. In a testament to the aircraft's benign handling characteristics, the transition programme consisted of only 20 hours in the Gloster Meteor and three hours in the dual-control Canberra trainer. With a maximum speed of 470 knots (871 km/h), a standard service ceiling of 48,000 ft (14,600 m) and the ability to carry a 3.6-tonne (7,900-lb) payload, the Canberra was an instant success.

AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom I-VI
AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom I-VI

Author: Lon Nordeen

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-10-20

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1780963114

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The AV-8B Harrier was, and still is, the only tactical aircraft that can deploy with the US Marine Corps on amphibious assault ships and provide air cover and close air support separate from large deck aircraft carriers. Having seen action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the Harrier II returned to the theatre from March 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the initial conflict some 76 AV-8Bs were deployed, providing more than 40 per cent of the 3rd Marine Air Wing's fixed-wing offensive firepower. Around 60 of these aircraft were sea-based aboard four 'Harrier Carriers', while a unit flew jets from Ahmed al Jaber, in Kuwait. Unlike in 1991, when Harrier IIs employed unguided weapons, 79 per cent of the ordnance dropped was precision-guided. This was primarily due to the AV-8B's upgrading to Night Attack or radar-equipped configuration, and the introduction of the Litening II targeting pod. Following the occupation of Iraq by Coalition troops, Harrier IIs remained in-theatre supporting anti-insurgent operations through to 2008 as part of OIF II-VI.

Battle Born
Battle Born

Author: Dale Brown

Publisher: Bantam

Published: 2001-02-27

Total Pages: 578

ISBN-13: 0553580035

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Patrick McLanahan is back — and this time he faces his most difficult challenge. He must pull together a team of aggressive, maverick young pilots to face a world on the brink of massive nuclear conflict. It begins with a joint U.S.-Japanese-South Korean mock bombing raid. But the South Korean fighter pilots don't stick to the script. Instead, they race across the border into North Korea to support a massive people's revolt against the Communists. Virtually overnight, the fledgling United Korea is the world's newest nuclear power, igniting a fuse that threatens to blow Asia apart and trigger World War III. Only McLanahan has the top-secret aviation technology and the brash young heroes to stop the coming inferno — if he can get them to stop fighting each other and start fighting as a team before the world is reduced to cinders!

The Supersonic Bone
The Supersonic Bone

Author: Kenneth Katz

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation

Published: 2022-03-18

Total Pages: 552

ISBN-13: 1399014722

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“This profusely illustrated and thoroughly researched book conveys a wealth of information” about the USAF’s B-1 bomber (Aviation History Magazine). When the B-52 Stratofortress entered operational service with the US Air Force in 1955, work was already underway on defining its successor. The B-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 jet bomber, was one option. Although two XB-70A prototypes flew, the B-70 never went into production. Out of the subsequent Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft program came the B-1A bomber, which flew at high speed and low altitude to evade enemy air defenses. But the B-1A was cancelled in favor of fitting the B-52 with cruise missiles. The B-1, known as the BONE, was revived in 1981 as the improved B-1B to boost American military power and serve as a symbol of American strength at the peak of Cold War tensions. The B-1B entered service in 1986 with several deficiencies. The resolution of most of these issues coincided with the end of the Cold War. After the Cold War, the B-1B lost its primary nuclear mission but remained relevant by transforming into a high-speed, long-range, high-payload delivery platform for conventional precision-guided munitions. The first combat use of the B-1B was in 1998 in Iraq. The BONE has proved a highly effective combat aircraft in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and the former Yugoslavia. This extensively illustrated book traces the BONE’s long development and operational history in detail. “A must-read book . . . a great reference for historians, pilots, engineers, and even policy makers. Both the writing and photos are excellent.” —Air & Space Power History

Military Flight Aptitude Tests
Military Flight Aptitude Tests

Author: Terry L. Duran

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2018-07-01

Total Pages: 2226

ISBN-13: 1438065205

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Only the best prepared are chosen to start the highly competitive multimillion-dollar training programs that transform aspiring candidates into U.S. military aviators. This fully updated edition of Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Tests provides would-be aviators in all five U.S. armed services with the competitive edge they will need to score their best and maximize their chances of being selected! This book is an effective, full-spectrum resource for officer candidates, ROTC cadets from all services, and current military members. Six full-length practice tests (two per service) with answers and explanations for every question get readers ready for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT), and the Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB-E). Test overviews and detailed review sections give potential pilots the boost they need to rise to the top of the selection list, and most of the review subjects apply to all three tests. Successful aviation applicants strongly recommend working through every valuable review section, and the other services' tests are great for extra practice to reinforce your learning. Written by a veteran, joint qualified military officer and instructor, this book's review sections cover language skills, reading comprehension, math knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, mechanical comprehension, aviation and nautical technical information, science, and specific mental skills such as block counting, finding hidden figures, and spatial apperception. The author also coaches readers on effective study techniques, provides expanded information resources, and gives pilot candidates a thorough preview of how each test is structured and conducted.

Military Flight Aptitude Tests, Fifth Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review
Military Flight Aptitude Tests, Fifth Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review

Author: Terry L. Duran

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2023-10-03

Total Pages: 709

ISBN-13: 1506288359

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Be prepared for exam day with Barron’s. Trusted content from Military Flight Aptitude Test experts! Barron’s Military Flight Aptitude Tests includes in-depth content review and practice. It’s the only book you’ll need to be prepared for exam day. Written by Experienced Educators Learn from Barron’s--all content is written and reviewed by Military Flight Aptitude Test experts Build your understanding with comprehensive review tailored to the most recent exams: AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) SIFT (Army Selection Instrument for Flight Training) ASTB-E (Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard Aviation Selection Test Battery) Get a leg up with tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day--it’s like having a trusted tutor by your side Be Confident on Exam Day Sharpen your test-taking skills with 6 practice tests, including 2 practice AFOQTs, 2 practice SIFTs, and 2 practice ASTB-Es Reinforce your learning with detailed answers and explanations for all test questions Strengthen your knowledge with in-depth review covering all major subtests and topics covered on each exam, including language, mathematics, technical knowledge, science, and mental skills Deepen your understanding with expert advice about becoming an officer and aviator, detailed summaries of common aircraft used by the U.S. military today, a glossary of key terms and definitions, and much more

F-111 & EF-111 Units in Combat
F-111 & EF-111 Units in Combat

Author: Peter E. Davies

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2014-02-20

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13: 1472808150

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The General Dynamics F-111 was one of the most technically innovative designs among military aircraft, introducing the variable-sweep wing, terrain-following radar, military-rated afterburning turbofan engines and a self-contained escape module among other features. Designed as a cost-saving, multi-role interceptor, naval fighter and strike bomber, its evolution prioritised the latter role and it became the USAF's most effective long-range strike aircraft during three decades of service. Rushed into combat in Vietnam before some of its structural issues were fully understood, the type suffered several early losses and gained an unfairly negative reputation that dogged it for the rest of its career, and restricted funding for more advanced versions of the design. However, in Operation Linebacker in 1972 the F-111 flew 4000 nocturnal under-the-radar missions, delivering, with unprecedented accuracy, many decisive blows that would have resulted in heavy losses for any other attack aircraft.

USAF Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command
USAF Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command

Author: Peter Dancey

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2010-08-09

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 1446155153

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book is a chronology of the US air force's 1992 drawdown and establishment of its new ACC and AMC commands, out of the previous SAC, TAC and MAC that formed its command structure from its incpetion post-WW II until 1992. The resultant base closures, realigment, re-allocation and equipment withdrawals. The changes that followed the mid-term review in the 1990's and further equipment reductions, but with continued introduction of new 'stealth' types, for the 21st Century. Elint and Special Intelligence 'Rivet' types to remain in use in the hew millennium. The Balkan Wars and the NATO led Kosovo War, the first time NATO had flown operatiomal combat missions since its inception fifty years before and the first war in history to be won by airpower alone. How it was done! Gulf War II, Afghanistan, and the Expeditionary Air Wings.