Case Studies in the Development of Close Air Support

The introduction of airplanes to warfare led almost from the first to their application in close support of ground forces. The earliest attempts at influencing the outcome of a ground battle from the air were limited by the fragility of the craft engaged and the lack of coherent ideas on themost effective use of what was still a novelty. What began as an expedient, however, has become over nearly ten decades an essential rolefor air power. Taken virtually for granted by troops and aviators ...