The first warplanes used in the First World War were canvas and wood made aircraft designed for reconnaissance operations. Afterwards, machine guns were placed on warplanes and air combat's deadly ritual began. Crude bombs were dropped on military and civilian targets. The combat aircraft advent gave warfare an apocalyptic dimension.
Between the First and Second World Wars, metal clad monoplanes were developed into existence along with military air forces. The Second World War made military tacticians and strategists realize that combat aircraft may sometimes be the deciding factor in war. Along with the combat aircraft technological evolution were deadly cannons and ground-shaking bombs development. Radars were fitted aboard combat aircraft to detect enemy targets, while guiding friendly warplanes.
The post-Second World War saw the piston-engine replaced by the jet-engine. Today, modern combat aircraft equipped with stealth technology can fly undetected deep into enemy territory. Armed with long-range radar and GPS guide missiles, today's warplanes can fly faster than sound speed. Future warplanes will be computer controlled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Modern combat aircraft are helicopters, transports, reconnaissance, fighters, and bombers. Helicopters are rotary wing aircraft that are designed for transport, search, and rescue missions. Transport aircraft offer critical support to the military when transporting troops, weapons, and logistic cargo. Reconnaissance aircraft collect and provide intelligence information on enemy targets and movements. Fighters conduct combat operations to achieve air supremacy over enemy skies. The most famous combat and support warplanes include: MH60 Pave Hawk helicopter, EFIIIA Raven fighter aircraft, Global Hawk renaissance UAV, and C5 Galaxy transport aircraft.
MH60 Pave Hawk helicopter
The MH60 Pave Hawk helicopters provided combat, search and rescue coverage for coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm. The MH60 aircraft are US designed twin-engine and medium lift combat helicopters. These helicopters provided emergency evacuation for SEAL teams prior to the US invasion of Kuwait. During Operation Allied Force, these helicopters rescued air force pilots who were behind enemy lines.
EFIIIA Raven fighter aircraft
During Operation Desert Storm, the EFIIA Raven fighter aircraft flew roughly 1,300 missions. Deployed with the US Air Force since 1975 the Raven strikes enemy forces with electronic warfare. In the 1980s, these fighters were employed for combat operations in Libya during US air raids. In the Gulf War, these aircraft made up the air campaign elements that contributed to the Iraqi military collapse.
Global Hawk reconnaissance UAV
The Global Hawk warplanes are next generation hi-tech unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. These UAV's high altitude flying facilitates their gathering intelligence information on enemy targets, personnel, and movements. When operated by engineers, the Global Hawk can automatically take-off, return, and land. Ground-based operators controlling their UAVs can change the flight course. During April 2001, the Global Hawk warplane operators recorded the longest flight for unmanned aircraft. The Global Hawk UAV made aviation history by flying non-stop from California to Australia during its first flight. Six Global Hawk UAVs logged around 1,000 hours in supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
C5 Galaxy transport aircraft
C5 Galaxy transport aircraft are large and heavy cargo transport planes. The Galaxy is front loaded, with the nose section lifting up. It went into service during the Vietnam War. During Operations Desert Shield, the Galaxy was used to transport cargo in the millions.
Sources:
- Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms; Dale Crane; 2002.
- Encyclopedia of Modern U.S. Military Weapons; Walter j. Boyne; 1998.
- Fighter Technology, Facts, History; Raif Leinburger; 2008.
- Jane's World Aircraft; Derek Wood; 1995.
- Jane's Recognition Aircraft; David Randell; 1996.
- Military Aircraft Visual Encyclopedia; Sarah Uttidge and others; 2010.
- The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes; Sarah Uttidge and others; 2001.
Eliot Elwar - This author enjoys studying ancient military history, reading biblical eschatology, analyzing Greek mythology, and illustrating military ...
