B/EB-66 Destroyer Units in Combat (Combat Aircraft)

Product Description

A fascinating study of the EB-66, which from 1965 to 1967 was the US Air Force’s only platform for jamming and escort duties for its strike operations over heavily-defended areas. Without the bravery and skill of EB-66 operators, US losses would undoubtedly have been much higher during the Vietnam War, with large tactical strikes on North Vietnam and Arc Light B-52 raids only available when EB-66 support was possible.Studies of air combat in the Vietnam War inevitably focus on the MiG-killing fighter engagements, B-52 onslaughts or tactical strikes on the Hanoi region. However, underlying all these was the secretive ‘electron war’ in which highly-skilled electronic warfare officers dueled with Soviet and North Vietnamese radar operators in the attempt to enable US strike forces to reach their targets with minimal losses. Orbiting at the edge of heavily-defended territory, the vulnerable EB-66s identified and jammed the enemy’s radar frequencies with electronic emissions and chaff to protect the American bombers. Their hazardous missions resulted in six combat losses, four of them to SA-2 missiles and one to a MiG-21, and they became prime targets for North Vietnamese defenses when their importance was realized.This illustrated study focuses on the oft-overlooked B-66 series, examining their vital contributions to the Vietnam War and the bravery of those who operated them in some of the most challenging situations imaginable. Author Peter E. Davies also explores how the technology and tactics devised during the period made possible the development of the EF-111A Raven, an invaluable component of the Desert Storm combat scenario over Iraq and Kuwait in 1991, and the US Navy’s EA-6B Prowler, which entered service towards the end of the Vietnam War.

About the Author

Peter E Davies has published more than 45 books, including 31 for Osprey Publishing. He has specialised in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analysing tactics, background politics and technologies in a range of combat situations. Original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material have been a hallmark of his work. More recently, he has written on the research ‘X-Planes’ of the 1960s, exploring the dramatic progress made by those aircraft and their intrepid pilots. In many instances he has sought to explore specific military incidents from past conflicts. This has often resulted in very positive and gratifying feedback from people who were involved in them, or from relatives who were grateful to know more about the fate of former aircrew from within their families. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as
Aeroplane Monthly,
Aviation
News and
Aircraft Illustrated.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast. Gareth completed the battlescene and cover artwork in this title. He lives in Perthshire, UK.