Monday, September 19, 2016

Air Defence at Sea (Five Stars)

This fascinating book looks at the air defense of warships and fleets. Published in 1988, this book focuses on the weapons and techniques of the time, with a heavy emphasis on sea-based interceptor aviation. It also looks at the primary threat of the time... the Soviet Navy. This is a good study as the emphasis between the two blocs, East and West, was different in regards to the air defense of their fleets. The Soviets leaned heavily on their fleet of Bear aircraft for long-range surveillance at sea while NATO had true aircraft carriers with airplanes which could serve a spectrum of offensive and defensive roles.

Admiral Hill has provided an excellent study (although with very little info on historical development) and has lavishly included maps, diagrams and photographs. He discusses the various missile and gun systems for point defense and the longer-range systems for "area defense." A small book but one with a lot of information. Does not include current developments or geopolitical realities, but still good for the underlying principles.

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