No.8 in the Australian Air Campaign Series

A Very Different War

RAAF Operations in the Korean War

By Owen Zupp

Published by Big Sky Publishing

RRP $19.99 in paperback | ISBN 9781923004962

The Korean War lies between the enormity of the Second World War and the controversy of Vietnam. Although it often slips through the cracks of history, it represented a global shift as two opposing ideologies clashed and the Cold War heated up. The fledgling United Nations was called to act, and Australia joined the 21 nations committed to supporting South Korea.

Within days of the North Koreans crossing the 38th Parallel, the RAAF was flying missions from its base in Japan. In the ensuing three years, the RAAF gained respect among its peers and the attention of the opposing military powers. When the war reached a crisis point, with UN forces pinned down and threatened with being pushed off the peninsula into the sea, the RAAF was at the epicentre.

During the war, the RAAF entered the jet age, and the transition was not without challenges and losses. Ultimately, a generation of RAAF leaders emerged from the ranks of sergeant pilots and junior officers who underwent their baptism of fire on the Korean Peninsula. Using No 77 Squadron operations as a timeline, this concise history of the RAAF involvement in the war examines the roles of the transport unit, nurses, ground crews, prisoners of war and those who still have no known resting place.

No.10 in the Australian Air Campaign Series

A Bird’s Eye View

Australia’s Heron Drone Operations in Afghanistan

By Steve Campbell-Wright

Published by Big Sky Publishing

RRP $19.99 in paperback | ISBN 9781923144835

The Royal Australian Air Force’s Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was a critical asset in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Afghanistan. From 2009 to 2014, the Heron detachment provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support to Australian and Coalition forces on the ground, contributing to the mission’s success and helping to keep our soldiers safe.

A Bird’s Eye View provides an in-depth look at the RAAF Heron detachment’s operations in Afghanistan, offering a rare glimpse into the world of UAV operations in a complex and challenging environment. It provides a detailed account of the Heron’s capabilities, the challenges faced by the detachment and the contributions made by the men and women who served in this vital role.

Through the personal accounts of those who served in the Heron integrated project team and the Heron detachment, readers will better understand the impact of the Heron UAV on the mission in Afghanistan. They will also gain insights into the unique challenges faced by those who operate UAVs and their critical role in modern warfare.

A Bird’s Eye View is a tribute to the courage, dedication and professionalism of the RAAF Heron detachment and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australian Defence Force. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the RAAF, the role of UAVs in modern warfare and the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

No.11 in the Australian Air Campaign Series

From the Skies

Australian Air Power in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief since the Second World War

By Karyn Markwell

Published by Big Sky Publishing

RRP $19.99 in paperback | ISBN 9781923300798

From the Skies explores the role of Australian air power in humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) since the Second World War: how Australia uses aircraft to aid those in need following disasters, both overseas and within its own borders.

This book demonstrates that all three Australian Defence Force (ADF) services – the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force – provide Australia’s military aviation HADR capability, while Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, has historically been the predominant HADR provider among Australia’s commercial airlines.

From the Skies features firsthand stories by members of the ADF: accounts by Australian men and women who help to save lives, search for survivors, repatriate the bodies of their fellow Australians and prevent disasters from becoming even greater. All stories are told in their own words with professional insight, great sensitivity and an awareness that they were privileged to help others on behalf of Australia and the ADF.

This book further explores why Australia is likely to continue to engage in HADR in the future and why air power will be a key enabler of Australia’s future HADR efforts. As part of this, it addresses new and emerging aviation technologies, including advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

ABOUT THE SERIES

The Australian Air Campaign Series (AACS) produced by Air Force’s History and Heritage Branch consists of well-researched books on RAAF history that are not only underpinned by rigorous scholarship and solid evidence, but also are readable, well-illustrated, educational and enduring.

The intent of the AACS is to promote an understanding of Air Force history by examining the Air Force’s development, performance, heritage, and contribution to the Nation in war and peace. By using examples of air operations and exploring the use of the Air Force, these publications contribute to the professional military education of Air Force members, and the education of those with an interest in Air Force history.

Through these titles the reader gains an appreciation of the depth and breadth of the facets that have formed the history and heritage of the RAAF over the past 100 years.