The United States Navy (USN) Fighter Weapons School was established in 1969 in an attempt to stem US losses in the air war over Vietnam. Soon dubbed ‘Top Gun’, the school taught dogfighting skills to a generation of pilots who were reliant on missiles and technology, and the training turned the tide of the air war.
From 1965 to 1968 the US mounted Operation Rolling Thunder, part of its war with the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). The US was supporting the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) in its campaign to stem a North Vietnamese invasion, a conflict that was all part of the wider Cold War. A bombing campaign was started in an attempt to undermine the North’s military capabilities and political will, but the supposedly primitive North Vietnamese air defences proved a tough nut to crack. Soviet and Chinese support allowed them to build an impressive ground-to-air missile and anti-aircraft gun defence system, and also provided small numbers of modern jet fighters. To the surprise and alarm of the US, these proved highly effective and USN. and US Air Force (USAF) air-to-air combat losses mounted.
This story is from the Issue 105, 2022 edition of History of War.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 105, 2022 edition of History of War.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE IRA'S WAR IN COUNTY TYRONE
The IRA's East Tyrone Brigade was one of its deadliest units. This is the inside story of how one of its attacks triggered a retaliatory ambush by the SAS
'HATRED IS NOT THE WAY'
Speaking to mark the publication of his new memoir, Ivor Perl describes how he survived both Auschwitz and Dachau concentration camps during the Holocaust
JOHNSON BEHARRY
Two acts of valour from this young private saved the lives of his comrades in the narrow streets of Al Amarah, Iraq
SUPER SPREADERS IN THE TRENCHES
During the latter period of WWI, infection and disease were a universal enemy on both sides of no man’s land. Vaccination and prevention methods became essential for survival, never mind victory, on the frontline
PROKHOROVKA AND THE FIGHT FOR HILL 252.2
The Battle of Prokhorovka, on 12 July 1943, was the culmination point of the southern pincer of Operation Citadel. The Soviets ultimately emerged victorious, despite suffering extremely heavy losses to their armour. Here, Dr Ben Wheatley recounts the struggle for one critical position during the battle: Hill 252.2
AIR BATTLE FOR KURSK
On the eve of Operation Citadel, the Red Air Force sought to pre-empt the attack by smashing the Luftwaffe. The risky spoiling operation failed spectacularly
ITALIANS IN THE EAST
Reeling from his setbacks in North Africa, and eager to prove his forces’ worth against the communist foe, Il Duce sent a large expeditionary force to join the Nazi invasion of the USSR
SHOWDOWN IN THE DESERT
The Italian campaigns in Africa sought to end British rule over Egypt and control of the Suez Canal, strengthening Mussolini’s dominance over the Mediterranean
CORPO TRUPPE VOLONTARIE
During the Spanish Civil War, tens of thousands of Italian soldiers fought in Spain to support the fascist Nationalist forces of Francisco Franco
STRIKE AT AFRICA
Mussolini envisaged building an empire to rival Ancient Rome. Once he’d established his grip on Italy, he set his sights on Abyssinia as the place to begin
