Night Air Combat

Night fighting is one competency in which the United States possesses global superiority. After witnessing the devastating effect of twenty-four hour flight operations during Operation DESERT STORM, many tacticians now promote initiating offensive air combat operations at night to exploit our apparent advantage over potential adversaries. Understanding how the United States reached the critical jump in military effectiveness through the application of night air combat technologies is critical to project future military revolutions based on technical innovations. Although previous wars and conflicts have had limited night aerial operations, it is possible to detect a revolutionary shift in the effectiveness of night air combat and in the frequency of night airpower employment. This paper explores the development and non-linear maturation process of night air combat, examining this capability with regard to the theory of the military technical revolution (MTR). An investigation of the MTR concept begins this study, followed by a historic review of night air combat. Finally, this paper links theory and history to provide conclusions. Night air combat, as a specialized type of combat in which the United States military retains a distinct advantage due to technology, training, and application, fits the characteristics of MTR theory-and is part of the continuing greater Revolution in Military Affairs.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.