Building an Air Force
The Air Corps and the Formation of US Airpower
Published on 7. May 2026
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-1-009-72841-6 (ISBN)
Description
Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, America did not want war, with the 1930s marked by strong isolationism and an emphasis on defense. However, in December 1941, it wasn't defensive aircraft the Army Air Corps had been steadily procuring, but offensive long-range heavy bombers, whilst US pursuit planes were decidedly inferior to their European counterparts. In this new history of the development of American air power, Phillip Meilinger dispels the notion that young air zealots pushed for a bomber-heavy force, revealing instead the technological, economic and bureaucratic forces which shaped the air force. He examines the role of scientists and engineers, developments in commercial aviation, and conflicting priorities of the Army and Air Corps, as well as how these were in turn influenced by America's political leaders. Building an Air Force is essential for understanding a conflict in which whoever controlled the skies controlled the land and seas beneath.
Reviews / Votes
'Written by renowned airpower historian and theorist, Phillip Meilinger, Building an Air Force examines the complexities of early airpower doctrine, inter-service politics, national economics, and rapidly evolving technology with concise clarity and a voice that only a writer with decades of experience can provide.' Dik Daso, author of Hap Arnold and the Evolution of American Airpower 'Dr Phillip S. Meilinger has spent much of his adult life researching and writing about the development of airpower in the United States and abroad. He is a key voice in modern airpower theory, providing both historical context and forward-looking strategic insights that continue to influence military doctrine and education.' Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF Chief of Staff, 1993-97 'Drawing on decades of scholarship and new sources, Meilinger provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the American air force's interwar evolution. This remarkable account follows visionary airmen harnessing the technology of flight while waging internecine battles to create a force instrumental to victory in World War II.' Stephen L. McFarland, author of America's Pursuit of Precision Bombing, 1910-1945 'In Building an Air Force, Phillip Meilinger presents a masterful and meticulously researched account of how American airpower was forged in the interwar years. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding why and how intellectual concepts, technological innovation, commercial enterprise and procurement policy converged to enable U.S. dominance in the skies during World War II-and for decades thereafter. Highly recommended!' John Andreas Olsen, Swedish Defence University 'Meilinger seamlessly integrates military and commercial aviation to provide a new perspective on U.S. preparation for World War II. His holistic treatment of airpower undercuts the notion that the Air Corps' strategic bombardment doctrine provides the greatest explanatory power for understanding interwar developments.' Heather Venable, Director of Research, U.S. Air Command and Staff CollegeMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises; 30 Halftones, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
598 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-72841-6 (9781009728416)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Phillip S. Meilinger is a retired USAF colonel and independent scholar. He flew C-130s, was an action officer in the Pentagon, and taught at the Air Force Academy, Naval War College, and the School of Advanced Airpower Studies. He is the author of thirteen books including Thoughts on War (2020) and Avoiding Risk in America's Wars (2017).
Content
List of Illustrations; List of Figures; List of Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Thoughts on Future War; 2. Commercial Aviation and Air Racing; 3. Technology: Engine Development; 4. Technology: Structural Design; 5. Air Corps Procurement: The Contract System and Decision-Making; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.