Aircraft and Warfare

Paper Summary:

This paper details the history and evolution of aviation and looks at how and why aviation technology was able to transform the way human warfare is conducted.

From the Paper:

"In 1783 in Lyon, France, the Montgolfer brothers designed the first hot air balloon. Not initially designed for warfare purposes, the balloon nevertheless quickly made an impact on the French military and the ambitions of the government in demonstrating French military dominance, especially over their British enemies. Ten years after the Montgolfer brothers designed theirs, "L'Entrapremant" was launched, the first balloon used for military purposes. L'Entrapremant was initially used for observation only, but fascination with the new technology led to the eventual development of what was probably the world's first air force: the Compagnie d'Aeronautiers (French Aerostatic Corps) in March of 1794. The balloon corps proved to be far more than just an attractive, futuristic novelty. French victory at the Battle of Fleurus set the stage for what would become an all-out battle for aerial supremacy more than a century later. Before that, though, the Grand Armee of France used balloons to traverse the English Channel and intimidate their rivals using increasingly sophisticated military balloons named Celeste, Hercule, and Intrepide. Napoleon was for some reason not enamored with aviation technology and elected to dismantle the budding French air force, which would remain dormant for decades (Martin)."

More papers on Aircraft and Warfare:

• Analytical Essay # 59399 : "Air Warfare in World War I"
• Essay # 34190 : "AirCraft Carriers in World War Two."
• Research Paper # 49359 : "Advancements in Technology between the World Wars"

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