Weapons and Equipment
Intercontinental and intermediate-range nuclear missiles are currently the ultimate weapons to be used in strategic air war of major proportions. But many short-range missiles that may be used in “limited wars” have also been developed. Missiles may be launched from the ground or from an aircraft. Ground launched missiles comprise of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM's) and intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM's). The ICBM’s can deliver a nuclear warhead to a target up to 9,200 miles (15,000 kilometers) away. The IRBM’s on the other hand reach from around 1,700 to 3,400 miles (2,700 to 5,500 kilometers). The ICBM’s is guided by the air force in countries like the U.S. In countries like China and Russia however, these missiles fall under a separate command. Ground-launched antiballistic missiles (ABM's), enable Air forces to guard against ballistic missile attacks. Air launched missiles comprise of strategic as well as tactical missiles. Air launched strategic missiles such as the cruise missiles are launched by bombers. The tactical air-to-air missiles on the other hand are launched by fighters and helicopters. The various kinds of missiles are described in the article Missiles and Rockets, section “Military Missiles.”
The aircraft an air force uses in carrying out its missions, classified according to function, include fighters, bombers (tactical and strategic), transports, trainers, and reconnaissance craft. Carrier-based planes, though usually assigned to the control of the navy rather than the air force, are also considered part of a nation's air power. Attack and fighter aircraft are designed are designed for speed and maneuverability in combat. These generally have a crew of one or two and carry missiles or bombs. These attack enemy planes and ground targets or defend against air attacks.
Bombers are mostly large, medium range or long range planes that carry bombs and guided missiles to strike strategic targets. Only a few nations with powerful air forces have bombers. Bomber crews are mostly about four to six in range.Transport aircraft are used to carry troops and cargo. Its crew includes a pilot, copilot, navigator, flight engineer, and one or more loadmasters responsible for the cargo or passengers.
Reconnaissance aircraft carry cameras or electronic sensors used for gathering information about enemy forces. These comprise of airplanes designed for reconnaissance and altered versions of other aircraft.
Other aircraft comprise of trainers, tankers, and helicopters. Trainers train pilots, tankers refuel other aircraft in flight, while some helicopters carry transport troops and equipment over short distances. Some helicopters called gunship carry guns and missiles used in combats.
Maintenance and support of the fighting arm of an air force requires an administrative and supply organization immensely larger than the fighting arm itself. Programs for research and development and for training are essential. Landing fields are needed, and there must be facilities for the fueling and repair of fighting planes.
