Building an Air Force

The Air Corps and the Formation of US Airpower

AvPhillip S. Meilinger

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

Del i serien Cambridge Military Histories

461 kr

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Beskrivning

Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, America did not want war, with the 1930s marked by strong isolationism and an emphasis on defense. However, in December 1941, it wasn't defensive aircraft the Army Air Corps had been steadily procuring, but offensive long-range heavy bombers, whilst US pursuit planes were decidedly inferior to their European counterparts. In this new history of the development of American air power, Phillip Meilinger dispels the notion that young air zealots pushed for a bomber-heavy force, revealing instead the technological, economic and bureaucratic forces which shaped the air force. He examines the role of scientists and engineers, developments in commercial aviation, and conflicting priorities of the Army and Air Corps, as well as how these were in turn influenced by America's political leaders. Building an Air Force is essential for understanding a conflict in which whoever controlled the skies controlled the land and seas beneath.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-05-07
Vikt:500 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Cambridge Military Histories
Antal sidor:304
Förlag:Cambridge University Press
ISBN:9781009728416

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Mer om författaren

Phillip S. Meilinger is a retired USAF colonel and independent scholar. He flew C-130s, was an action officer in the Pentagon, and taught at the Air Force Academy, Naval War College, and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies. He is the author of thirteen books including Thoughts on War (2020) and Avoiding Risk in America's Wars (2017).

Recensioner i media

'Written by renowned airpower historian and theorist, Phillip Meilinger, Building an Air Force examines the complexities of early airpower doctrine, inter-service politics, national economics, and rapidly evolving technology with concise clarity and a voice that only a writer with decades of experience can provide.' Dik Daso, author of Hap Arnold and the Evolution of American Airpower

Innehållsförteckning

List of Illustrations; List of Figures; List of Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Thoughts on Future War; 2. Commercial Aviation and Air Racing; 3. Technology: Engine Development; 4. Technology: Structural Design; 5. Air Corps Procurement: The Contract System and Decision-Making; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.