Air Defense History

Throughout the history of Air Defense Artillery (ADA), innovative steps were made for the technological advance in weaponry to defend our skies and ground forces. The diverse history and continuous research and development of air defense systems played a vital role in the safety of ground troops and foreign civilians during the Persian Gulf crisis. Though not always in the forefront of battle, ADA had its own vital roles that it played from the time of its birth, and it was no different during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield when necessity helped to bring about the evolution of the PAC-II Patriot missile.

The United States Army is over 240 years old, and for every war the Army has been in, field artillery has played an essential role. The artillery and infantry have always worked hand in hand, a requirement if fire support is to be in direct support of maneuver. Artillery preps and shapes the battlefield; setting the conditions for battle. Throughout the conflict in Vietnam, specifically the Battle at LZ Gold, the Army made essential changes and improvements to the tactics, techniques and weaponry of field artillery to meet the ever-changing demands of battle.

Air Defense had a prominent involvement in The Persian Gulf War. The Patriot missile system demonstrated its effectiveness in combat in 1990 and United States (U.S.) forces as well as Iraqi forces utilized the Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) missile system. Air Defense’s considerable involvement in the Persian Gulf War accredited to the developments and capabilities of the Patriot missile system along with the HAWK missile system’s Iraqi dilemma.

Our nation has been in conflict with the Middle East for over two and a half decades. Air Defense Artillery has made a huge impact in Middle East conflicts. The threats that make Air Defense Artillery a necessity for these conflicts include a number of aircraft, such as planes, jets and helicopters as well as launched munitions like scud missiles and mortars. Air Defense Artillery is an ever evolving force and has been there for protection of American forces against these threats. Air Defense Artillery is a group of weapons that divide the airspace into two different sectors. Short Range Air Defense, also known as SHORAD, defends against low altitude, short range aircraft and munitions. High to Medium Altitude Air Defense, also known

“Air defense artillery units have a proud heritage dating back to the dawn of this country 's history when the colonists erected fortifications and emplaced artillery pieces to defend against attack from the sea. Seacoast defense continued to be the primary mission of "foot" artillery units (as opposed to mounted field artillery units) until World War I, when a new dimension in warfare emerged-attack from the air. Through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, air defense artillery units served as an indispensable part of the armed forces of the United States.”

(INTRODUCTION) In August 1964, Vietnamese DRV torpedo boats attacked two U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. President London B. Johnson ordered the retaliatory bombing of military targets in North Vietnam. Shortly after the incident, U.S. congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Johnson war-making powers, and U.S. planes began regular bombing raids (Reference http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnam-war-history ). In Vietnam, the US enjoyed virtual air supremacy. Nevertheless, Air Defense Artillery (ADA) units were able to distinguish themselves and prove their versatility by providing fire support to ground forces. ADA earned more than 450 medals for valor, receiving more than 1000 Purple Hearts, and one Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to SGT Mitchell Stout (Reference http://www.usc.edu/dept-00/dept/armyrotc/branches/air_defense.html ). Despite there being no confirmed aerial engagements, Air Defense Artillery played a vital role in the Vietnam War, and were at times crucial to battle success, proving their versatility, adaptability, flexibility.

Field Artillery “The King of Battle” dates back as far as the birth of the United States Army itself. The Battle at Bunker

The missile system reduced Scud annoyance and effectiveness. Patriot’s mission to counteract air born threats was an overall success. This war was a major demonstration of U.S. air defense capability. Although every fire did not successfully destroy its target, it exemplified extraordinary accuracy. The Patriot world is continuously evolving. Modifications to the software has been made, and today’s system has multiple intercept mechanisms. PAC 2 in no longer the only source of air defense capability. The PAC 3, a more sophisticated missile defense system, has a more accurate interception rate. A growing technology, and it will continue to expand in the future, air defense is here to

It influenced future generations of soldiers and equipment to advance both tactically and technically, greatly increasing the multi-role diversity and capabilities of the Air Defense Artillery systems of today’s United States Army. Compared to the Patriot Launcher Missile system, it showed that Air Defense units could be multifaceted. Like the M42 Duster (SPAAG), the Patriot system demonstrated excellent destruction ratio for aircraft but the system also worked well in defense of TBM’s (Tactical Ballistic

The use of artillery has provided military commanders the ability to disrupt, destroy, and defeat their enemy’s throughout history. It is important to realize maneuver commanders need reliable, fast, and accurate fire support. The use of integrated fire of artillery provides maneuver commanders flexibility and firepower and is the key to battle success in both the offense and defense. This paper will discuss how modern equipment and innovative techniques to employ that equipment shaped and controlled the entire battle space.

In today’s digital age, development of new technology and weapons are at an alarming rate, hence arises the need to stay ahead of advancements in order to properly defend the nation, as well as coalition forces and allies. In this period of warfare, the number one threat comes in the form of air breathing and ballistic missiles. During World War II, this threat was present, but was not thought to be prevalent.

The introduction of aircraft had begun a new era in warfare. No longer were military powers limited to the boundaries of vehicles that were restricted to land. The evolution of aircraft technology helped pioneer a new type of combat strategy that played a significant role in determining the outcome of a battle. Air combat also influenced the economies of the participating countries. The whole cycle of airplanes from the assembly line to the pilot became factors that added up to become an advantage or disadvantage.

New air technologies in the early mid-twentieth century had played major roles in war. The United States air forces were rapidly evolving between World War I and World War II. Aircraft structures and weapons developed along with the manufacture of new systems and devices. The United States Air Force made technological advancements in aviation, including weaponry, aircraft structure, and navigation, during the World Wars (1914-1945).

1948). It is essential to ground forces success that they receive anti-aircraft support. Before, during and after World War 2 we are able to perceive more clearly the significance of Air Defense Artillery (ADA) in the twenty first century. Air Defense Artillery’s roots travel as far back as to the revolutionary war. Understanding that during those times there was no such thing as airplanes but keep an open mind as to where we are heading here. Air Defense Artillery originated from the Coast Artillery Corps who were the guardians of the coast from incoming aggressive ships and boats. It was during World War 1 (WW1) that the army realized the need for

Many Air Defense units today have a long history that runs deep with accolades and awards. One of these units is 3-4-ADAR. Third Battalion (Bn.) Fourth Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-4 ADAR) is the most decorated Air Defense unit in the world. The Air Defense Branch is a relatively young branch by comparison. The ADA Branch originates from the Field Artillery Branch. AD did not become a branch of its own until technology advances made it necessary for a change. As plains started becoming a part of combat, the more need there was for AD. Our branch became its own, as air superiority became the deciding factor in winning wars.