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Evolution of U.S. Military Air Power: Key Developments and Operations in the 1980s

This overview highlights the significant advancements in U.S. military air power during the 1980s, including the development of iconic aircraft like the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and stealth technologies embodied in the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit. Key military operations such as Urgent Fury in Grenada, El Dorado Canyon in Libya, and Just Cause in Panama demonstrate the strategic lessons learned in joint operations, coordinated strikes, and the effective use of overwhelming force. This period set the stage for modern military tactics and air superiority.

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Evolution of U.S. Military Air Power: Key Developments and Operations in the 1980s

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Rebuilding for Space

  2. Weapon Systems • Two key fighters developed • McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle • General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon • Close air support led to A-10 Thunderbolt • Rockwell B-1B Lancer • Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS) • Peacekeeper Missile

  3. Second Generation Weapons • Stealth aircraft • Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk • Northrop B-2 Spirit • New airlifter • McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster • Boeing/Grumman E-8 Joint STARS • New, advance fighter • Lockheed Martin F-22

  4. Military Operations in the 80’s

  5. Grenada • Prime Minister killed in coup in 83 and increased influx of Russian/Cuban influence • US objectives • Protect US citizens, 1000 medical students • Neutralize hostile Grenadian/Cuban elements • Restore the legitimate government • Operation URGENT FURY • Army Rangers and 82nd Airborne Division • Supported by Air Force resources

  6. Military Ops in the 80’s“Grenada” • Lessons Learned • All services must plan and coordinate jointly before the operation occurs • Applying overwhelming force quickly is the key to victory *

  7. Military Ops in the 80’s“Libya” • Muammar Qaddafi linked to terrorism and specific bombing of disco in Berlin • Libyan targets struck in Apr 86 • Operation EL DORADO CANYON • AF F-111s • Navy and Marine aircraft • Four of five main targets severely damaged

  8. Military Ops in the 80’s“Libya” * • Lessons Learned • Superb joint coordination • US able to strike terrorists when targets were identified • That the US was willing to strike terrorist targets

  9. Military Ops in the 80’s“Panama” • General Noriega • Indicted on drug trafficking charges • US forces harassed in the Canal Zone • Implied threats to security of the Canal • Marine Lt killed in an incident • President Bush ordered Operation JUST CAUSE

  10. Military Ops in the 80’s“Panama” • Objectives of Operation JUST CAUSE • Remove Noriega from power • Safeguard the Panama Canal • Restore the democratic government in Panama • Dec 89 operation began • AC-130 Spectre gunships used • First use of F-117 • Noriega surrenders after seeking refuge in Vatican embassy

  11. Military Ops in the 80’s“Panama” • Lessons Learned • Strike quickly with overwhelming force using mobility, surprise, and precision • Army and Marines recognized the need for light deployable forces • Joint coordination had vastly improved since Grenada!

  12. Summary Vietnam Rebuilding the Air and Space Force

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