Military aviation

<h2 id="history">History</h2>
Further information: <a href="/facts/Timeline_of_military_aviation/1X0rEgPw">Timeline of military aviation</a>

The first military uses of aviation involved <a href="/facts/Lighter-than-air/yfMS1zJw">lighter-than-air</a> balloons. During the <a href="/facts/Battle_of_Fleurus_(1794)/FVfUEUd4">Battle of Fleurus</a> in 1794, the French observation balloon l'Entreprenant was used to monitor Austrian troop movements.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1">1</a> The use of lighter-than-air aircraft in warfare became prevalent in the 19th century, including regular use in the <a href="/facts/American_Civil_War/A9FT3ksD">American Civil War</a>. Lighter-than-air military aviation persisted until shortly after <a href="/facts/World_War_II/2efV5L1U">World War II</a>, gradually being withdrawn from various roles as <a href="/facts/Aircraft/EhC4mBep">heavier-than-air aircraft</a> improved.
Heavier-than-air aircraft were recognized as having military applications early on, despite resistance from traditionalists and the severe limitations of early aircraft. The <a href="/facts/U.S._Army_Signal_Corps/xAqQnv2w">U.S. Army Signal Corps</a> purchased a <a href="/facts/Wright_Model_A/JBKw2Kt3">Wright Model A</a> on 2 August 1909 which became the first military aircraft in history.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2">2</a> In 1911, the Italians used a variety of aircraft types in reconnaissance, photo-reconnaissance, and bombing roles during the <a href="/facts/Italo-Turkish_War/bmQ0fWc5">Italo-Turkish War</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3">3</a> On October 23, 1911, an Italian pilot, Captain Carlo Piazza, flew over Turkish lines on the world's first aerial <a href="/facts/Reconnaissance/WbBwMhqs">reconnaissance</a> mission,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4">4</a> and on November 1, the first ever <a href="/facts/Airstrike/FehKpSt5">aerial bomb</a> was dropped by <a href="/facts/Second_Lieutenant/jJe7hJIz">Sottotenente</a> <a href="/facts/Giulio_Gavotti/7wSc2rCV">Giulio Gavotti</a>, on Turkish troops in <a href="/facts/Libya/HMPH8PWR">Libya</a>, from an early model of <a href="/facts/Etrich_Taube/oPIrH24p">Etrich Taube</a> aircraft.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5">5</a> The <a href="/facts/Turkish_people/3Rg0k6vU">Turks</a>, lacking <a href="/facts/Anti-aircraft/fHtGQpLy">anti-aircraft</a> weapons, were the first to shoot down an <a href="/facts/Airplane/81161IpU">airplane</a> by <a href="/facts/Rifle/H3mJx7U4">rifle</a> fire.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6">6</a>
The earliest military role filled by aircraft was <a href="/facts/Reconnaissance/WbBwMhqs">reconnaissance</a>, however, by the end of <a href="/facts/World_War_I/vITTUanQ">World War I</a>, military aviation had rapidly embraced many specialized roles, such as artillery spotting, air superiority, bombing, ground attack, and anti-submarine patrols. Technological improvements were made at a frenzied pace, and the first <a href="/facts/Dornier-Zeppelin_D.I/34cACeIG">all-metal cantilevered airplanes</a> were going into service as the war ended.
Between the major <a href="/facts/World_wars/pEzjDFFs">world wars</a> incremental improvements made in many areas, especially powerplants, <a href="/facts/Aerodynamics/Cn6Lnl3H">aerodynamics</a>, structures, and weapons, led to an even more rapid advance in aircraft technology during World War II, with large performance increases and the introduction of aircraft into new roles, including <a href="/facts/Airborne_Early_Warning/VXDQUphK">Airborne Early Warning</a>, <a href="/facts/Electronic_warfare/c6XGz9y0">electronic warfare</a>, <a href="/facts/Weather_reconnaissance/2f67FJtT">weather reconnaissance</a>, and flying lifeboats. Great Britain used aircraft to suppress revolts throughout the Empire during the <a href="/facts/Interwar_period/EWLuS41R">interwar period</a> and introduced the first <a href="/facts/Military_airlift/B4AxnbhF">military transports</a>, which revolutionized <a href="/facts/Logistics/0Hr2w55W">logistics</a>, allowing troops and supplies to be quickly delivered over vastly greater distances.

While they first appeared during World War I, ground attack aircraft didn't provide a decisive contribution until the Germans introduced <a href="/facts/Blitzkrieg/CH1stL49">Blitzkrieg</a> during the <a href="/facts/Invasion_of_Poland/8kconR1e">Invasion of Poland</a> and <a href="/facts/Battle_of_France/mqqL078G">Battle of France</a>, where aircraft functioned as mobile flying artillery to quickly disrupt defensive formations. The Allies would later use rocket-equipped fighters in the same role, immobilizing German armored divisions during the <a href="/facts/Battle_of_Normandy/fcx7BD00">Battle of Normandy</a> and afterwards. 
World War I also saw the creation of the first strategic bomber units, however, they wouldn't be tested until the <a href="/facts/Spanish_Civil_War/YykcMvC5">Spanish Civil War</a> where the perceived effects of mass bombardment would encourage their widespread use during World War II. <a href="/facts/Aircraft_carrier/90vrSN0V">Carrier aviation</a> also first appeared during World War I, and likewise came to play a major role during World War II, with most major navies recognizing the aircraft carrier's advantages over the <a href="/facts/Battleship/PjjTspo5">battleship</a> and devoting massive resources to the building of new carriers.
During World War II, <a href="/facts/U-boats/GgjbMzMT">U-boats</a> threatened the ability of the <a href="/facts/Allies_of_World_War_II/YzCdtjDY">Allies</a> to transport troops and war materiel to Europe, spurring the development of very long range <a href="/facts/Maritime_patrol/g5QvnG9Y">Maritime patrol</a> aircraft, whose capability of independently detecting and destroying submerged submarines was greatly increased with new detection systems, including <a href="/facts/Sonobuoy/JJyWAyoE">sonobuoys</a>, <a href="/facts/Leigh_Light/mG873dEF">Leigh Lights</a>, and <a href="/facts/Radar/jk9BTbFA">radar</a>, along with better weapons including <a href="/facts/Homing_torpedo/RLLPpktk">homing torpedoes</a> and improved <a href="/facts/Depth_charges/bLMx1yF9">depth charges</a>. This played a major role in winning the <a href="/facts/Battle_of_the_Atlantic/PV9uF2Jw">Battle of the Atlantic</a>. Aircraft also played a much expanded role, with many notable engagements being decided solely through the use of military aircraft, such as the <a href="/facts/Battle_of_Britain/gKfVsxR5">Battle of Britain</a> or the <a href="/facts/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor/CLBkUVjC">attack on Pearl Harbor</a>, and the conclusion of the <a href="/facts/Pacific_War/yNu6op98">Pacific War</a> against Japan was marked by two lone aircraft dropping the <a href="/facts/Atomic_bomb/QVdBcMdm">atomic bombs</a>, <a href="/facts/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki/fRpj8aJA">devastating</a> the cities of <a href="/facts/Hiroshima/WuFDhz14">Hiroshima</a> and <a href="/facts/Nagasaki/5HMR4mnp">Nagasaki</a>. The introduction of the <a href="/facts/Jet_engine/CJjFpeqt">jet engine</a>, <a href="/facts/Radar/jk9BTbFA">radar</a>, early <a href="/facts/Missiles/C5VwQClz">missiles</a>, <a href="/facts/Helicopter/chQF7H55">helicopters</a>, and <a href="/facts/Computers/SQe1aK05">computers</a> are World War II advancements which are felt to the present day.
Post World War II, the development of military aviation was spurred by the <a href="/facts/Cold_War/spJdJQ3q">Cold War</a> stand-off between the super-powers. The <a href="/facts/Helicopter/chQF7H55">helicopter</a> appeared late in World War II and matured into an indispensable part of military aviation, transporting troops and providing expanded anti-submarine capabilities to smaller warships, negating the need for large numbers of small carriers. The need to out-perform opponents pushed new technology and aircraft developments in the <a href="/facts/U.S.S.R./m7wWsPto">U.S.S.R.</a> and the <a href="/facts/United_States/P0sCdLe5">United States</a>, among others, and the <a href="/facts/Korean_War/Qo93pNhE">Korean War</a> and the <a href="/facts/Vietnam_War/W0gfbGTE">Vietnam War</a> tested the resulting designs. Incredible advances in electronics were made, starting with the first electronic computers during World War II and steadily expanding from its original role of cryptography into communications, data processing, reconnaissance, remotely piloted aircraft, and many other roles until it has become an integral aspect of modern warfare.
In the early 1960s, missiles were expected to replace manned interceptors and the guns in other manned aircraft. They failed to live up to expectations as <a href="/facts/Surface-to-air_missile/2qEW5P07">surface-to-air missiles</a> lacked flexibility and were not as effective as manned interceptors, and fighters equipped only with <a href="/facts/Air-to-air_missile/82Dccmul">air-to-air missiles</a> had limited effectiveness against opposing aircraft which could avoid being hit. Missiles were also expensive, especially against low-value ground targets. The 1970s saw the return of the gun-armed fighter, and a greater emphasis on maneuverability. The 1980s through to the present day were characterized by <a href="/facts/Stealth_technology/j3pG6jVK">stealth technology</a> and other countermeasures.
Today, a country's military aviation forces are often the first line of defense against an attack, or the first forces to attack the enemy, and effective military aviation forces (or lack thereof) have proved decisive in several recent conflicts such as the <a href="/facts/Gulf_War/6LdLnGdo">Gulf War</a>.

<h2 id="categories">Categories</h2>
Main article: <a href="/facts/Military_aircraft/hG80LP2F">Military aircraft</a>
<a href="/facts/Airborne_Early_Warning/VXDQUphK">Airborne Early Warning</a> provides advance warning of enemy activities to reduce the chance of being surprised. Many also have command functions that allow them to direct or vector friendly fighters onto incoming bogeys.
<a href="/facts/Bombers/YKEYbswu">Bombers</a> are capable of carrying large payloads of bombs and may sacrifice speed or maneuverability to maximize payload.
<a href="/facts/Experimental_aircraft/pxLLTsK4">Experimental aircraft</a> are designed to test advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionic, or propulsion concepts. These are usually well instrumented, with performance data telemetered on radio-frequency data links to ground stations located at the test ranges where they are flown.
<a href="/facts/Fighter_aircraft/NuIvaGJg">Fighters</a> establish and maintain <a href="/facts/Air_superiority/5NweGjhm">air superiority</a>. Speed and maneuverability are usually requirements and they carry a variety of weapons, including machine guns and guided missiles, to do this.
<a href="/facts/Forward_Air_Control/eYq2xFwE">Forward Air Control</a> directs close air support aircraft to ensure that the intended targets are nullified and friendly troops remain uninjured.
<a href="/facts/Ground-attack_aircraft/Rkc7Ft5I">Ground-attack aircraft</a> support ground troops by weakening or nullifying enemy defenses. <a href="/facts/Helicopter_gunships/c12bKhvd">Helicopter gunships</a> and specialized ground attack aircraft <a href="/facts/Anti-tank_weapon/wL0Vh0mV">attack enemy armor or troops</a> and provide <a href="/facts/Close_air_support/buqaXGIp">close air support</a> for ground troops.
<a href="/facts/Liaison_aircraft/m0a5UP3c">Liaison aircraft</a> are usually small, unarmed aircraft used to deliver messages and key personnel.
<a href="/facts/Maritime_Patrol_Aircraft/BNXaRGVj">Maritime Patrol Aircraft</a> are used to control sea-lanes, and are often equipped with special electronic gear for detecting and sinking submarines, such as sonar. They are also used for search and rescue missions and fisheries patrols.
<a href="/facts/Multirole_combat_aircraft/8l6FfCI9">Multirole combat aircraft</a> combine the capabilities of both a fighter or a bomber, depending on what the mission calls for.
<a href="/facts/Reconnaissance_aircraft/qL3ScS18">Reconnaissance aircraft</a> and <a href="/facts/Scout_helicopter/3jT8XkuL">scout helicopters</a> are primarily used to gather intelligence. They are equipped with photographic, infrared, radar, and television sensors. This role is increasingly being filled by <a href="/facts/Spy_satellite/LkL0IYHH">spy satellites</a> and <a href="/facts/Unmanned_aerial_vehicles/qt87T19t">unmanned aerial vehicles</a>.
<a href="/facts/Aerial_refueling/VMV3xXlW">Refueling aircraft</a> are used to refuel fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, extending mission reach and flying range. These aircraft include but are not limited to the KC-135, KC-46, KC-767, A310 MRTT, and the KC-130J. These aircraft are a part of many countries' militant assets.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7">7</a>
<a href="/facts/Training_aircraft/7sfKaA8h">Training aircraft</a> are used to train recruits to fly aircraft and to provide additional training for specialized roles such as in air combat.
<a href="/facts/Military_transport_aircraft/r3AeoD8A">Transport aircraft</a> transport troops and supplies. Cargo can be on pallets for quick unloading. Cargo, and personnel may also be discharged from flying aircraft on <a href="/facts/Parachute/598qrAdg">parachutes</a>. Also included in this category are aerial tankers, which can refuel other aircraft while <a href="/facts/In-flight_refueling/VMV3xXlW">in flight</a>. <a href="/facts/Military_helicopter/3jT8XkuL">Helicopters</a> and <a href="/facts/Military_glider/fhlJ2oog">gliders</a> can transport troops and supplies to areas where other aircraft would be unable to land.

<h2 id="air-forces">Air forces</h2>
Main article: <a href="/facts/Air_force/M9LeqXoY">Air force</a>
An air force is the <a href="/facts/Military_organization/M93qdLz7">branch</a> of a nation's armed forces that is responsible for <a href="/facts/Aerial_warfare/DrDhkkQ1">aerial warfare</a> as distinct from the <a href="/facts/Army/wAoIlRyN">army</a>, <a href="/facts/Navy/TwPq0TNP">navy</a>, or other branches. Most nations either maintain an air force or, in the case of smaller and less well-developed countries, an air wing (see <a href="/facts/List_of_air_forces/cortBIsz">List of air forces</a>). Air forces are usually tasked with the air defense of a country, as well as strategic bombing, interdiction, close air support, intelligence gathering, battlespace management, transport functions, and providing services to civil government agencies. Air force operations may also include space-based operations such as reconnaissance or satellite operations.

<h2 id="other-branches">Other branches</h2>

Other branches of a nation's armed forces may use aviation (<a href="/facts/Naval_aviation/EpofPaqF">naval aviation</a> and <a href="/facts/Army_aviation/LDYU8sws">army aviation</a>), in addition to or instead of, a dedicated air force. In some cases, this includes <a href="/facts/Coast_guard/3qHWQ8RJ">coast guard</a> services that are also an armed service, as well as <a href="/facts/Gendarmerie/IU7lsrLc">gendarmeries</a> and equivalent forces.

<h2 id="see-also">See also</h2>
<ul><li><a href="/facts/Civil_aviation/NhuUHPCQ">Civil aviation</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Military_aviation_occupations/x04byRQ5">Military aviation occupations</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/Military_aircraft_insignia/HAcA7WhE">Military aircraft insignia</a></li></ul>

Footnotes

Citations
<ul><li>Aviation History. New York: Primedia Special Interest Publications, 1996. 15 Feb. 2006</li>
<li>Gross, Charles Joseph. American Military Aviation: The Indispensable Arm. College Station Texas A&M University Press, 2002. 13 Feb. 2006</li>
<li>Rusnac, Mircea, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100616062639/http://www.museum.com/ja/showdia/id=4589">The Monument with a Propeller</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="references">References</h2>

<ol>
<li id="fn:1">Murphy, Justin D. (April 27, 2005). Military Aircraft, Origins to 1918: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. p. 8. ISBN 1851094881. Retrieved 13 August 2014. <a href="1851094881" target="_blank">1851094881</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:2">"The 1909 Wright Military Flyer". Archived from the original on 2015-11-24. Retrieved 2015-11-23. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151124121158/http://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/index.php/heritage/spotlight-in-history/2-uncategorised/59-the-1909-wright-military-flyer" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20151124121158/http://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/index.php/heritage/spotlight-in-history/2-uncategorised/59-the-1909-wright-military-flyer</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:3">Bull, Stephen (June 30, 2004). Encyclopedia of Military Technology and Innovation. Greenwood. p. 7. ISBN 1573565571. Retrieved 13 August 2014. <a href="1573565571" target="_blank">1573565571</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:4">Maksel, Rebecca. "The World's First Warplane". airspacemag.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018. <a href="http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/the-worlds-first-warplane-115175678/?no-ist=" target="_blank">http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/the-worlds-first-warplane-115175678/?no-ist=</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:5">U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission: Aviation at the Start of the First World War Archived 2008-05-11 at the Wayback Machine <a href="http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Air_Power/Pre_WWI/AP1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Air_Power/Pre_WWI/AP1.htm</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:6">James D. Crabtree: On air defense, ISBN 0275947920, Greenwood Publishing Group, page 9 <a href="/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/ISBN_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
<li id="fn:7">"The world's biggest aerial refuelling aircraft". Airforce Technology. 2013-11-10. Retrieved 2020-06-25. <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/featurethe-worlds-best-aerial-refuelling-aircraft/" target="_blank">https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/featurethe-worlds-best-aerial-refuelling-aircraft/</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></li>
</ol>

Military aviation open-in-new

Military aviation