Rolling Thunder 1965–68

Johnson's air war over Vietnam

Rolling Thunder 1965–68 cover

Description

A new history of Rolling Thunder, the Vietnam War's first, most intense, and biggest US air campaign, by one of the most eminent names in air power studies. Ideal for Vietnam War aviation enthusiasts and historical students, as well as everyone interested in Cold War air power.

Operation Rolling Thunder was the campaign that was meant to keep South Vietnam secure, and dissuade the North from arming and supplying the Viet Cong. It pitted the world's strongest air forces against the MiGs and missiles of a small Soviet client state. But the US airmen who flew Rolling Thunder missions were crippled by a badly thought-out strategy, rampant political interference in operational matters, and aircraft optimised for Cold War nuclear strikes rather than conventional warfare.

Ironically, Rolling Thunder was one of the most influential episodes of the Cold War – its failure spurring the 1970s US renaissance in professionalism, fighter design, and combat pilot training. Dr Richard P. Hallion, one of America's most eminent air power experts, explains how Rolling Thunder was conceived and fought, and why it became shorthand for how not to fight an air campaign.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Attackers' Capabilities
Defenders' Capabilities
Campaign Objectives
The Campaign
Analysis and Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Feb 22 2018
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472823212
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with around 60 photos and at least 14pp of colour illustrations
Series Air Campaign
Short code ACM 3
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Richard P. Hallion

Richard P. Hallion holds a Ph.D. in history from t…

Illustrator

Adam Tooby

Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases