The Origins of Air War: Development of Military Air Strategy in World War I (International Library of War Studies)

Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence; in the First World War views were vastly different. Aircraft were a novelty not always welcomed by the traditionalist military, and there were no tactics, doctrine or strategies available for the deployment of air power. Yet, within four years, proponents of the new force were making claims, often extravagant, of what aircraft could achieve. Here Robert Grattan traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts, their engines and manufacture - including the Fokker, Bristol Fighter, the Zeppelin and the DH2 - the weaponry and prominent figures, such as Albert Ball and Werner Voss. "The First Air War" is indispensable for military historians, aviation and military enthusiasts as well as those interested in strategy. Contents......Page 6 Tables and Illustrations......Page 7 Abbreviations......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 1. Introduction......Page 26 2. Organization......Page 46 3. Aircraft, Engines and Equipment......Page 86 4. Weapons......Page 112 5. The Men......Page 138 6. Roles and Tactics......Page 164 7. Air Strategy......Page 194 8. Analysis and Conclusion......Page 220 1. Time Line 1914-18......Page 242 2. The Build-up of Squadrons in France and Casualties, 1914-1918......Page 252 3. Heads of Agreement about the Constitution of the Inter-Allied Indipendent Air Force......Page 256 4. Fighting in the Air......Page 258 5. A Short Review of the Situation in the Air on the Western Front and a Consideration of the Part to be Played by the American Aviation......Page 288 Notes......Page 294 References......Page 302 Index......Page 306 Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence; in the First World War views were vastly different. This title traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts and their engines and manufacture. Robert F. Grattan. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 269-280) And Index.