Zero Hedge: The Impressive Scale Of The U.S. Air Force In 3 Charts
In the war against the Islamic State, the United States has relied heavily on support from the skies. It’s for this reason that more than two-thirds of the $9 million-per-day of military spending on the war has been allocated to the Air Force.
Total spending on the war, according to data released by the Department of Defense in June 2015, has been $2.74 billion. Of this, $1.83 billion has gone to the Air Force, with the rest being divided between the Army ($274 million), Navy ($438 million) and Special Ops ($204 million).
But what is the actual scope of the U.S. Air Force? These three charts tell the story.
Make sure to click on the below charts to get the full size versions of each.
WNU Editor: That is a lot planes/helicopters/and drones. If there is a surprise, it is that I expected more helicopters and drones in their inventory.
6 comments:
WNU Editor, why do you think the US Air Force should have more helicopters? Aside from the PJs and supply helicopters, helicopters are primarily the Army's job.
WNU Editor, why do you think the US Air Force should have more helicopters? Aside from the PJs and supply helicopters, helicopters are primarily the Army's job.
I know that helicopters are primarily for the Army .... I only expected more for the Air Force .... especially in search and rescue.
Stefan and WNU,
Way back ago 60's, 70's or maybe earlier because of intense inter service rivalry and bickering the air force and army came to an agreement (I think it was formal) that air force would always have fixed wing aircraft and the army army rotary wing aircraft as their responsibility. I forgot to add this also came about from intense appropriation battles in Congress. Hence you always see air force personnel operating drones and army people handling helos. The Marines are an exception (always have) and follow their established air rules. If I can find info on this I'll post it.
Found it: "The Johnson-McConnell Agreement of 6 April 1966 authorized the Army to develop and employ rotary-wing aircraft for all intratheater purposes, including troop movement and fire support. In return, Army aviation gave up its larger fixed-wing aircraft and became, more so than ever, a rotary-wing force. From 1966 to the present, the Army has been the recognized American leader in the development of helicopters and helicopter weapons, tactics, and doctrine.:
Thank you for the info James. The Wikipedia link for this agreement is the following https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson-McConnell_agreement_of_1966
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