Author: Steve Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841769943
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Osprey's study of the F-16 Falcon Fighters' role in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present). The F-16, called the Viper by its pilots, has been the most prolific fighter in US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade. Since the 1991 Gulf War, it has been the workhorse of the UN-sanctioned operations in the region, working in 'Wild Weasel', ground attack and air superiority roles. Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch required daily and continuous combat patrols over Iraqi territory for over a decade - a task that was made simpler by the bountiful supply of F-16s in USAF service, and the fact that the jet has always been able to assume multiple roles and uses. When US President George W Bush ordered his forces into Iraq in March 2003, the F-16CJ was the second aircraft to enter enemy airspace-proper, sweeping the skies for electrons in a bid to find, identify and kill Iraq's comprehensive air defence system. With the mission fulfilled, hordes of other Coalition fighters followed, including F-16CGs, which were used with great success to strike numerous targets.
F-16 Fighting Falcon Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Author: Steve Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841769943
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Osprey's study of the F-16 Falcon Fighters' role in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present). The F-16, called the Viper by its pilots, has been the most prolific fighter in US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade. Since the 1991 Gulf War, it has been the workhorse of the UN-sanctioned operations in the region, working in 'Wild Weasel', ground attack and air superiority roles. Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch required daily and continuous combat patrols over Iraqi territory for over a decade - a task that was made simpler by the bountiful supply of F-16s in USAF service, and the fact that the jet has always been able to assume multiple roles and uses. When US President George W Bush ordered his forces into Iraq in March 2003, the F-16CJ was the second aircraft to enter enemy airspace-proper, sweeping the skies for electrons in a bid to find, identify and kill Iraq's comprehensive air defence system. With the mission fulfilled, hordes of other Coalition fighters followed, including F-16CGs, which were used with great success to strike numerous targets.
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841769943
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Osprey's study of the F-16 Falcon Fighters' role in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present). The F-16, called the Viper by its pilots, has been the most prolific fighter in US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade. Since the 1991 Gulf War, it has been the workhorse of the UN-sanctioned operations in the region, working in 'Wild Weasel', ground attack and air superiority roles. Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch required daily and continuous combat patrols over Iraqi territory for over a decade - a task that was made simpler by the bountiful supply of F-16s in USAF service, and the fact that the jet has always been able to assume multiple roles and uses. When US President George W Bush ordered his forces into Iraq in March 2003, the F-16CJ was the second aircraft to enter enemy airspace-proper, sweeping the skies for electrons in a bid to find, identify and kill Iraq's comprehensive air defence system. With the mission fulfilled, hordes of other Coalition fighters followed, including F-16CGs, which were used with great success to strike numerous targets.
AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom I-VI
Author: Lon Nordeen
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1780963114
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96
Book Description
An illustrated history of the Harrier II, from the Gulf War to its status as a multi-role platform through the addition of night vision systems, radar, an external targeting pod and new laser-guided weapons. 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. As Lon Nordeen explores how, alongside stunning illustrations, 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.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1780963114
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96
Book Description
An illustrated history of the Harrier II, from the Gulf War to its status as a multi-role platform through the addition of night vision systems, radar, an external targeting pod and new laser-guided weapons. 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. As Lon Nordeen explores how, alongside stunning illustrations, 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.
US Marine Corps and RAAF Hornet Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Author: Tony Holmes
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782006710
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Some 84 of the 250 Hornets committed by Central Command to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) proudly bore MARINE titling on their rear fuselages. A further 14 were marked with the distinctive kangaroo roundel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exploits achieved by the units that flew these jets into combat is detailed in this volume, the third of three titles published in the Combat Aircraft series on what has been dubbed by many TACAIR insiders the 'Hornet's War'. Although the bulk of this book deals with the major hostilities phase of OIF I, which ran from 20 March to 20 April 2003, the decade of pre-war OSW missions and ongoing post-war OIF II operations are also covered in significant detail from the Marine Corps perspective. Profusely illustrated with rare frontline photography and more than 30 specially commissioned colour artworks, this book also features the combat experiences of 24 pilots and Weapons Systems Officers.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782006710
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Some 84 of the 250 Hornets committed by Central Command to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) proudly bore MARINE titling on their rear fuselages. A further 14 were marked with the distinctive kangaroo roundel of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The exploits achieved by the units that flew these jets into combat is detailed in this volume, the third of three titles published in the Combat Aircraft series on what has been dubbed by many TACAIR insiders the 'Hornet's War'. Although the bulk of this book deals with the major hostilities phase of OIF I, which ran from 20 March to 20 April 2003, the decade of pre-war OSW missions and ongoing post-war OIF II operations are also covered in significant detail from the Marine Corps perspective. Profusely illustrated with rare frontline photography and more than 30 specially commissioned colour artworks, this book also features the combat experiences of 24 pilots and Weapons Systems Officers.
F-15C/E Eagle Units of operation Iraqi Freedom
Author: Steve Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841768021
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The F-15C/E has formed the backbone of US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade, patrolling the skies over northern and southern Iraq as part of Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch. F-15Cs policed the skies for Iraqi aircraft operating in contravention of no-fly zone agreements, whilst the F-15E was constantly dropping weapons onto the Iraqi SAM and AAA emplacements that engaged Coalition aircraft undertaking this mission. The USAF's use of the F-15 in the region culminated with Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present), which was launched in order to liberate the people of Iraq and ensure the destruction of Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction. In doing so, the F-15C was used to protect friendly troops and aircraft from any last-ditch attempt to use the Iraqi Air Force. In the event, the F-15Es of the 4th Fighter Wing saw most prolific use, engaging Iraqi armour before Coalition ground troops moved forward, and providing close air support to soldiers and Special Forces as they came into contact with the enemy.
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841768021
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The F-15C/E has formed the backbone of US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a decade, patrolling the skies over northern and southern Iraq as part of Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch. F-15Cs policed the skies for Iraqi aircraft operating in contravention of no-fly zone agreements, whilst the F-15E was constantly dropping weapons onto the Iraqi SAM and AAA emplacements that engaged Coalition aircraft undertaking this mission. The USAF's use of the F-15 in the region culminated with Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present), which was launched in order to liberate the people of Iraq and ensure the destruction of Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction. In doing so, the F-15C was used to protect friendly troops and aircraft from any last-ditch attempt to use the Iraqi Air Force. In the event, the F-15Es of the 4th Fighter Wing saw most prolific use, engaging Iraqi armour before Coalition ground troops moved forward, and providing close air support to soldiers and Special Forces as they came into contact with the enemy.
AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom
Author: Lon Nordeen
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782003460
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In the 1970s the USMC bought the AV-8A Harrier from the UK whose VTOL capabilities allowed it to serve as a tactical aircraft that could deploy with Marine forces on amphibious assault ships and provide air cover and close air support from large deck aircraft carriers. Third in a trilogy on US Marine Corps Harrier IIs in combat, it will be the first volume to cover the whole story of the AV-8B's service employment during peacekeeping operations and then in Afghanistan. With profile artwork for all frontline AV-8B units detailing the unique colours and markings applied by each squadron, this volume presents the widest variety of first-hand accounts of AV-8B air operations and missions by pilots and ground forces involved in Operation Enduring Freedom published to date.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782003460
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In the 1970s the USMC bought the AV-8A Harrier from the UK whose VTOL capabilities allowed it to serve as a tactical aircraft that could deploy with Marine forces on amphibious assault ships and provide air cover and close air support from large deck aircraft carriers. Third in a trilogy on US Marine Corps Harrier IIs in combat, it will be the first volume to cover the whole story of the AV-8B's service employment during peacekeeping operations and then in Afghanistan. With profile artwork for all frontline AV-8B units detailing the unique colours and markings applied by each squadron, this volume presents the widest variety of first-hand accounts of AV-8B air operations and missions by pilots and ground forces involved in Operation Enduring Freedom published to date.
The Unseen War
Author: Benjamin S Lambeth
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612513123
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
America’s second war against Iraq differed notably from its first. Operation Desert Storm was a limited effort by coalition forces to drive out those Iraqi troops who had seized Kuwait six months before. In contrast, the major combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 was a more ambitious undertaking aimed at decisively ending Saddam Hussein’s rule. After several days of intense air strikes against fixed enemy targets, allied air operations began concentrating on Iraqi ground troops. The intended effect was to destroy Iraqi resistance and allow coalition land forces to maneuver without pausing in response to enemy actions. Iraqi tank concentrations were struck with consistently lethal effect, paving the way for an allied entrance into Baghdad that was largely unopposed. Hussein’s regime finally collapsed on April 9. Viewed in hindsight, it was the combination of allied air power as an indispensable enabler and the unexpected rapidity of the allied ground advance that allowed coalition forces to overrun Baghdad before Iraq could mount a coherent defense. In achieving this unprecedented level of performance, allied air power was indispensable in setting the conditions for the campaign’s end. Freedom from attack and freedom to attack prevailed for allied ground forces. The intended effect of allied air operations was to facilitate the quickest capture of Baghdad without the occurrence of any major head-to-head battles on the ground. This impressive short-term achievement, however, was soon overshadowed by the ensuing insurgency that continued for four years thereafter in Iraq. The mounting costs of that turmoil tended, for a time, to render the campaign’s initial successes all but forgotten. Only more recently did the war begin showing signs of reaching an agreeable end when the coalition’s commander put into effect a new counterinsurgency strategy in 2007 aimed at providing genuine security for Iraqi citizens. The toppling of Hussein’s regime ended the iron rule of an odious dictator who had brutalized his people for more than 30 years. Yet the inadequate resourcing with which that goal was pursued showed that any effective plan for a regime takedown must include due hedging against the campaign’s likely aftermath in addition to simply seeing to the needs of major combat. That said, despite the failure of the campaign’s planners to underwrite the first need adequately, those who conducted the three-week offensive in pursuit of regime change performed all but flawlessly, thanks in considerable part to the mostly unobserved but crucial enabling contributions of allied air power.
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612513123
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
America’s second war against Iraq differed notably from its first. Operation Desert Storm was a limited effort by coalition forces to drive out those Iraqi troops who had seized Kuwait six months before. In contrast, the major combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 was a more ambitious undertaking aimed at decisively ending Saddam Hussein’s rule. After several days of intense air strikes against fixed enemy targets, allied air operations began concentrating on Iraqi ground troops. The intended effect was to destroy Iraqi resistance and allow coalition land forces to maneuver without pausing in response to enemy actions. Iraqi tank concentrations were struck with consistently lethal effect, paving the way for an allied entrance into Baghdad that was largely unopposed. Hussein’s regime finally collapsed on April 9. Viewed in hindsight, it was the combination of allied air power as an indispensable enabler and the unexpected rapidity of the allied ground advance that allowed coalition forces to overrun Baghdad before Iraq could mount a coherent defense. In achieving this unprecedented level of performance, allied air power was indispensable in setting the conditions for the campaign’s end. Freedom from attack and freedom to attack prevailed for allied ground forces. The intended effect of allied air operations was to facilitate the quickest capture of Baghdad without the occurrence of any major head-to-head battles on the ground. This impressive short-term achievement, however, was soon overshadowed by the ensuing insurgency that continued for four years thereafter in Iraq. The mounting costs of that turmoil tended, for a time, to render the campaign’s initial successes all but forgotten. Only more recently did the war begin showing signs of reaching an agreeable end when the coalition’s commander put into effect a new counterinsurgency strategy in 2007 aimed at providing genuine security for Iraqi citizens. The toppling of Hussein’s regime ended the iron rule of an odious dictator who had brutalized his people for more than 30 years. Yet the inadequate resourcing with which that goal was pursued showed that any effective plan for a regime takedown must include due hedging against the campaign’s likely aftermath in addition to simply seeing to the needs of major combat. That said, despite the failure of the campaign’s planners to underwrite the first need adequately, those who conducted the three-week offensive in pursuit of regime change performed all but flawlessly, thanks in considerable part to the mostly unobserved but crucial enabling contributions of allied air power.
Combat Aircraft of the United States Air Force
Author: Michael Green
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473880130
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 259
Book Description
When the United States Army Signal Corps created the Aeronautical Division in August1907, it had a mission to take charge of all matters pertaining to military ballooning,air machines, and all kindred matters. That small inconsequential portion of the USArmy would grow progressively over the many decades to become a separate service named the USAir Force in 1947 following the Second World War. Overnight, it became the worlds most powerfulmilitary establishment, able to deliver conventional and nuclear ordnance anywhere around theglobe.Todays cutting-edge example of this power-projection is the supersonic, bat-winged B-2 Spiritstealth bomber, which can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet, and is built of carbon-graphite compositematerials. The B-2 Spirit is a far cry from the early days of the service when it relied on fragile prop-drivenwood and fabric aerial platforms, such as the Wright Type B, which could barely reach analtitude of 100 feet.In between have been such iconic Second World War aircraft as the P-51 Mustang and P-47Thunderbolt fighters and bombers such as the B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 SuperFortress which dropped the first A-Bomb in 1945. The Cold War demanded ever more powerfulaircraft, such as the B-58 Hustler and B-52 Stratofortress, and fighters including the F-86 Sabre, F-104Starfighter and F-4 Phantom. All these aircraft and more are vividly illustrated and described in detailin this superb Images of War publication.
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473880130
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 259
Book Description
When the United States Army Signal Corps created the Aeronautical Division in August1907, it had a mission to take charge of all matters pertaining to military ballooning,air machines, and all kindred matters. That small inconsequential portion of the USArmy would grow progressively over the many decades to become a separate service named the USAir Force in 1947 following the Second World War. Overnight, it became the worlds most powerfulmilitary establishment, able to deliver conventional and nuclear ordnance anywhere around theglobe.Todays cutting-edge example of this power-projection is the supersonic, bat-winged B-2 Spiritstealth bomber, which can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet, and is built of carbon-graphite compositematerials. The B-2 Spirit is a far cry from the early days of the service when it relied on fragile prop-drivenwood and fabric aerial platforms, such as the Wright Type B, which could barely reach analtitude of 100 feet.In between have been such iconic Second World War aircraft as the P-51 Mustang and P-47Thunderbolt fighters and bombers such as the B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 SuperFortress which dropped the first A-Bomb in 1945. The Cold War demanded ever more powerfulaircraft, such as the B-58 Hustler and B-52 Stratofortress, and fighters including the F-86 Sabre, F-104Starfighter and F-4 Phantom. All these aircraft and more are vividly illustrated and described in detailin this superb Images of War publication.
F-111 & EF-111 Units in Combat
Author: Peter E. Davies
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472808150
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 98
Book Description
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.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472808150
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 98
Book Description
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.
F-15E Strike Eagle Units in Combat 1990–2005
Author: Steve Davies
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841769097
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The F-15E Strike Eagle has been at the center of every single conflict in which the US has been involved since 1990. This remarkable aircraft has repeatedly struck targets where no other Coalition, NATO or US fighter has been able to go, breaking records for combat endurance and effectiveness. In the last decade, the Strike Eagle has been consistently upgraded to accommodate the latest weapons and electronic equipment. This book provides a thorough study of this versatile strike aircraft, as well as exploring its role in Operation Desert Storm (aka The Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991) and, more recently, the Balkans (1991-1995), Afghanistan (2001-present) and Iraq (2003-present).
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841769097
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The F-15E Strike Eagle has been at the center of every single conflict in which the US has been involved since 1990. This remarkable aircraft has repeatedly struck targets where no other Coalition, NATO or US fighter has been able to go, breaking records for combat endurance and effectiveness. In the last decade, the Strike Eagle has been consistently upgraded to accommodate the latest weapons and electronic equipment. This book provides a thorough study of this versatile strike aircraft, as well as exploring its role in Operation Desert Storm (aka The Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991) and, more recently, the Balkans (1991-1995), Afghanistan (2001-present) and Iraq (2003-present).
F-14 Tomcat Units of Operation Enduring Freedom
Author: Tony Holmes
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782006737
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
An insightful study of the use of this iconic modern fast jet in support of Special Operation Forces and other roles. The first-hand accounts and photographs from private collections makes this a unique book. The legendary F-14 Tomcat was the weapon of choice to strike against the enemies of the United States in the wake of the September 11 attacks, with F-14s flying thousands of bombing missions on al-Qaeda and Taliban positions. Written by aviation expert Tony Holmes, this book explores the F-14 pilots and aircraft involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, with insights into the tactical approach and strategic aims provided by officers. Exclusive access to mission reports, combat diaries, full-colour artwork and photographs from the author's collection reveal the battle experiences of the most famous modern fast jet.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782006737
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
An insightful study of the use of this iconic modern fast jet in support of Special Operation Forces and other roles. The first-hand accounts and photographs from private collections makes this a unique book. The legendary F-14 Tomcat was the weapon of choice to strike against the enemies of the United States in the wake of the September 11 attacks, with F-14s flying thousands of bombing missions on al-Qaeda and Taliban positions. Written by aviation expert Tony Holmes, this book explores the F-14 pilots and aircraft involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, with insights into the tactical approach and strategic aims provided by officers. Exclusive access to mission reports, combat diaries, full-colour artwork and photographs from the author's collection reveal the battle experiences of the most famous modern fast jet.