Soviet air power and the impact of technology

This study was designed to examine the relationships between the doctrines of Soviet air power and the changes in aviation capability affected through technological advancement. The Study was limited in scope to those changes in aviation technology which have had large scale application, and were examined from a historical perspective.The study was accomplished by dividing Soviet air power into five distinct segments based on existing Soviet administrative divisions. The divisions are as follows: Frontal Aviation, Strategic Aviation, Military Transport/Commercial Aviation, Air Defense Aviation and Naval Aviation. The growth of each segment and the development of its unique role within the structure of Soviet air power, from its earliest beginnings, was examined historically and analyzed for technologically induced change. When the effects of technological change extended across two or more segments of Soviet air power, each segment was analyzed on an individual basis. While the examination of the question failed to yield a clearly definable direct link between the advancements of Soviet aviation technology and the development of the doctrines of Soviet air power, it did reveal a positive correlation between the expansion of the role of Soviet air power and the advances made in aviation technology. Clearly the ability of the Soviet aviation industry to produce ever more capable aircraft has allowed the various segments of Soviet air power to develop ever more challenging doctrines.Thesis (D. Ed.