Lecture Notes: Evolution of American Naval Aviation Strike Tactics

Introduction

• Date & Event: June 20, 1944 - Battle of the Philippine Sea
• Key Event: U.S. Navy aircraft attacked Japanese carriers despite challenges.
  • Sunk 1 carrier, damaged others, in 30-minute engagement.
  • Demonstrates effective training, aircraft quality, and tactics.

American Naval Aviation in WWII

• Tactics Evolution: From dive bombing to torpedo attacks.
• Significance: Vital in Pacific Theater against Japan.

Dive Bombing Origins

• Initial Development:
  • Pioneered by the U.K. in WWI.
  • First dive bombing by Lt. William Brown, 1918.
• Challenges: High casualty rates, aircraft limitations.

U.S. Adoption of Dive Bombing

• Advocacy: Lt. Col. Billy Mitchell - strong proponent.
• Congressional Tests: 1921 tests against captured ships showed effectiveness.
• Resistance & Acceptance: Initially resisted by Navy; later adopted in 1925.
• Training: Rigorous training programs for pilots.

Dive Bombing Technique

• Method:
  • Altitude: 15,000-20,000 feet, speed 170-200 mph.
  • Dive angle: ~75 degrees, deploy dive brakes.
  • Bomb release: 2000-2500 feet, pull-out requires skill (9 G's force).
• Challenges: Blackouts, need for intense focus and multitasking.

WWII Dive Bombers

• Aircraft: Douglas SBD Dauntless
  • Popular for handling, endurance.
  • Key in battles like Midway (sunk four Japanese carriers).
• Transition: Phased out for SB2C Helldiver post-1944.

Torpedo Bombing Tactics

• Origins: First used by British in WWI.
• U.S. Adoption: Emulated British tactics.

Torpedo Bombing Technique

• Approach: Low, slow approach for torpedo release.
  • Max altitude: 150 feet, speed < 110 mph.
  • Release within 1000 feet of target.
• Challenges: Vulnerability, precise level release critical.

WWII Torpedo Bombers

• Aircraft: TBF Avenger
  • Faster, more versatile than predecessors.
  • Successful in executing attacks like the anvil attack.
• Lessons Learned: Midway highlighted need for better aircraft and torpedoes.

Tactical Integration

• Combined Arms Approach: Fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers coordinated attacks.
• Philippine Sea Example: Showcased tactical prowess.

Conclusion

• Significance: Embracing new tactics solidified U.S. Naval dominance.
• Historical Impact: Shift from initial resistance to tactical mastery in WWII.