Article Images
Content deleted Content added
Tags: Reverted references removed Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
m |
||
Line 3: {{more citations needed|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}} [[File:Usaf.f15.f16.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|right| [[File:B-2 Spirit original.jpg|thumb|right|[[USAF]] [[B-2 Spirit]] stealth [[strategic bomber]] ]] [[File:JaguarGR1 41Sqn refueling Gulf1991.jpeg|thumb|right|Refuelling a [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar GR1]] of the [[Royal Air Force]] (1991)]] An '''air force''' – in the broadest sense – is the national [[military branch]] that primarily conducts [[aerial warfare]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Monica|first=1776 Main Street Santa|last2=California 90401-3208|title=Air Warfare|url=https://www.rand.org/topics/air-warfare.html|access-date=2020-12-31|website=rand.org|language=en}}</ref> More specifically, it is the branch of a [[nation]]'s [[armed services]] that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an [[army aviation]] or [[naval aviation]] units. Typically, air forces are responsible for [[air supremacy|gaining control of the air]], carrying out [[Strategic bombing|strategic]] and [[tactical bombing]] missions, and providing support to [[land forces|land]] and [[naval forces]] often in the form of [[aerial reconnaissance]] and [[close air support]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Air Force Reserve|url=https://afreserve.com/air-traffic-control|access-date=2020-12-31|website=afreserve.com}}</ref> The term air force may also refer to a [[tactical air force]] or [[numbered air force]], which is an operational formation either within a national air force or comprising several air components from allied nations. Air forces typically consist of a combination of [[fighter aircraft|fighters]], [[bomber]]s, [[Military helicopter|helicopter]]s, [[Military transport aircraft|transport planes]] and other aircraft. Many air forces may command and control other [[Defence Forces#Air Defence Forces|air defence forces]] assets such as [[anti-aircraft]] [[artillery]], [[surface-to-air missile]]s, or [[anti-ballistic missile]] warning networks and defensive systems. Some air forces are also responsible for operations of the military [[space force|space]] and [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s (ICBM). Some nations, principally countries who modelled their militaries along Soviet lines, have or had an air defence force which is organizationally separate from their air force. [[Peacetime]]/non-wartime activities of air forces may include [[air policing]] and [[air-sea rescue]]. Air forces are not just composed of pilots, but also rely on a significant amount of support from other personnel to operate. Logistics, security, intelligence, special operations, cyber space support, maintenance, weapons loaders, and many other specialties are required by all air forces. ==History== | |||