Air Power

Question 1

What is Air Power?

Answer 1

Air Power is the ability to project power from the air and space to change the behaviour of people and influence the course of events.

Question 2

What are the 3 characteristics of Air Power?

Answer 2

Height, Speed, Reach

Question 3

Explain Height?

Answer 3

High altitude flight increases reach of sensors and reduces risk from small arms and Anti-Aircraft Artillery.
Low altitude flight improves sensors imagery and allows for precision targeting.

Question 4

Explain Reach

Answer 4

Extended Reach in aircraft design allows operations to be conducted from further away.
An early example of extended reach is the fairey long range mono plane which used a large fuel tank.
Later developments considered an aircrafts ability to operate without an airfield or from carriers.

Question 5

Explain Speed

Answer 5

Faster speeds enable aircrafts to arrive at troubled areas sooner creating visible presence.
Lower speeds are effective for tasks like reconnaisance

Question 6

What is AP1300?

Answer 6

AP1300 is the Royal Air Force War Manual.

Question 7

What are the 4 fundementals of Air Power included in AP1300?

Answer 7

Attack
Control of the air
Intelligence
Air mobility

Question 8

Explain Attack

Answer 8

Bombing to hinder the enemy and compel enemy to stop fighting

Question 9

Explain Control of the Air

Answer 9

Fighting. Described as “the most important air power role as it secures the freedom to manoeuvre”. Limits enemy.

Question 10

Explain Intelligence

Answer 10

Recon. The collection of information about the enemy is of vital importance.

Question 11

Explain Air Mobility

Answer 11

The movement of personnel and equipment. Moving men, stores, ammo, humanitarian aid.