One Hundred Years of Flight USAF Chronology ... - The Air University

During much of the Cold War, the USAF concentrated on developing a
strategic nuclear deterrent. Superbombers, such as the B–36 and later the
B–52, teamed with aerial tankers, enabling the United States to reach the cities
of the Soviet Union within a day. The same aircraft companies that produced
jet bombers and military transports also manufactured jet airliners, which revolutionized
civil transportation.
During the 1950s, both the United States and the Soviet Union developed
missiles capable of hitting targets on the other side of the globe within minutes.
Some were submarine-launched, but most were intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Along with the B–52 bombers, they served as deterrents during the Cold
War. By the end of the decade, the same boosters carried satellites into space,
transforming communication, navigation, intelligence, and exploration. In the
1960s, the two nations waged a “space race” that culminated in the first landings
on the Moon.
Hot wars continued to break out in places such as Korea (1950–53) and
Vietnam (1964–75), both of which were undeveloped areas with few strategic
targets. Experience gained in these and shorter conflicts led to advances
in tactical-aviation technology. The more dramatic innovations included
stealth airplanes, satellite-linked airborne warning and control system aircraft,
and extremely accurate precision-guided munitions. Experience in
limited conflicts during the Cold War also resulted in more realistic and
intensive training for USAF combat and combat-support crews.
Highly skilled air and space professionals working with cutting-edge
technology contributed immensely to the quick victory in the Southwest
Asia War of 1991 (also known unofficially as the Persian Gulf War of 1991).
Although air power played a major role in the defeat of Iraq, it stole the
show in the war with Serbia over Kosovo in 1999. Air power registered a
quick victory in the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization conflict with a
sovereign nation. Not one American was killed in combat. The air war over
Serbia was also the first conflict to witness the use of the B–2 Spirit stealth
bomber and the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle.
Air and space resources also contributed to the allied victory over the terrorist-dominated
Taliban government in 2001. Destruction of key targets
allowed friendly ground forces to overrun all major enemy strongholds within
three months, resulting in the establishment of a new Afghan government.
Readers will note that the USAF not only has deterred and fought major
wars, but also has taken part in numerous contingency operations—either
delivering troops, materiel, and firepower, or evacuating Americans and
other nationals to safety. Additionally, the service has flown relief equipment
and supplies to countless victims of natural disasters, both at home and
abroad. Throughout its life, the Air Force has evolved socially and organizationally,
opening its leadership ranks to minorities and women.
Contrasting the fragile Wright Flyer with the International Space Station
demonstrates how much the air and space world has changed in its first century.
The next 100 years should witness the continuing transformation of air
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