The onset of World War One marked the advent of aerial combat, beginning with a pilot in an unarmed Bleriot XI who resorted to using his pistol to fire at an adversary in the first air-to-air encounter. Early bombing efforts were rudimentary, involving the tossing of hand grenades and small bombs onto enemy forces below. While the notion of air superiority didn't fully develop in the years immediately following, advancements in aerospace technology and aerial combat have since been dramatic.
Despite these advancements, military aircraft technology has largely plateaued, as highlighted by Norman Augustine in his 1984 satirical collection, "Augustine's Laws." One notable aphorism, Law #16, humorously predicts that by 2054, the entire defense budget will afford only a single aircraft. This aircraft would need to be shared between the Air Force and Navy for three and a half days each per week, with the Marines getting access on the extra day of a leap year.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine exemplifies disruptive innovation from unexpected quarters. Mirroring the makeshift approaches of early civilian aircraft in World War One, today's drones are being used to target armored vehicles and combatants. Furthermore, the introduction of new drones designed to combat other drones highlights a significant shift in warfare tactics. These drones, while generally less capable than manned aircraft such as the F-35, are significantly cheaper, illustrating a major shift in how aerial warfare is conducted.
This article was first posted on LinkedIn on September 11, 2024
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