America's air fleet started life as the U.S. Army Air Corps, becoming an independent body in mid-1927. The Second World War proved that air power was a decisive factor in any war strategy and the major air offensives against Germany and Japan were crucial to the outcome of the war. With the onset of the Cold War, America continued to expand its air force until after the Vietnam War, when cutbacks forced a policy of retrenchment. The Reagan Administration has reversed that decision and is pressing ahead with development of the B-1 bomber.
The last decade has seen great technological advances although the F-4 Phantom remains the mainstay of the tactical air force. New theories of air power are demonstrated in the introduction of the AWACS aircraft, which are jamming-resistant, surveillance, command, control and communications systems. The U.S. Air Force has some of the world's most sophisticated aircraft and is the world's greatest air power in terms of technology. U.S. Air Force is a history of this achievement. Illustrated with over 140 photographs, many in color, it is a must for all those interested in aviation history and development.