The Influence of Aircraft Technology and Strategy in World War II

The introduction of aircraft had begun a new era in warfare. No longer were military powers limited to the boundaries of vehicles that were restricted to land. The evolution of aircraft technology helped pioneer a new type of combat strategy that played a significant role in determining the outcome of a battle. Air combat also influenced the economies of the participating countries. The whole cycle of airplanes from the assembly line to the pilot became factors that added up to become an advantage or disadvantage.

Aircraft combat became popular during World War II. Each of the combatant powers wanted to gain command of the air, which meant destroying enemy air power while also subjecting the enemy to continuous air attack themselves. However, air combat was not expected to be biggest factor in bringing the war to an end. Command of air was a necessary component in the successful execution of military strategies. But it was these strategies, involving the movement of vehicles and men and the occupying of land that won the day.

Air power had a complementary rather than an

autonomous role to play. As a result the air war also

lacks historical autonomy. Any attempt to impose it on

the evidence necessarily exaggerates the significance

of aircraft and distorts the view of military strategy

during the war itself.” (Fetzer 148).

Perhaps the greatest contribution of aircraft in the war was its ability to execute strategic bombings.

“The bombing offensive, the one ostensibly independent air operation, was regarded by some of its supporters as capable of winning the war on its own.” (Jablonski 149). Great Britain used aircraft bombing strategies jus...

... middle of paper ...

...ing was one of the most important tasks

of any air staff and one which had to be fully and

carefully integrated into the administrative apparatus

in such a way that there would always be better

weapons in the pipeline and a strategy to use them.

(Myring 2).

With the exception of German jet fighters which itself suffered in development from Hitler’s intention to use it as a bomber, the Axis powers fell further behind not just in quantity but in quality too. The air war was won and lost not only in skies but also in the factory and research establishments.

The influence of aircraft technology was great. Air combat introduced new strategy, which helped to end the war. The air strategy was dependent on not only the commanders, but also other factor, such as, an able economy and enough research.