At the root of today's precision weapons is the Global Positioning System (GPS) -- the same system used by professional marine and aerial navigators and even by modern hikers, drivers of upscale automobiles, and sailboat owners. The authors remove much of the mystery of this satellite-based system, explaining how it has revolutionized the art and science of navigation and overturned many of the solutions to the age-old problems of targeting. Relevant examples taken from today's headlines demonstrate both the capabilities and the limitations of these weapons. Their use in Bosnia, Kosovo, and the stand-off engagements in the no-fly zones of Iraq make a great deal more sense with this book in hand. Many of the emerging debates spawned by a mandated review of U.S. defense policy are clarified. From the details of the weapons systems and their employment to their political implications, this sweeping analysis of the effects of a revolutionary technology on military operations and strategy is without parallel. A wealth of illustrations help the reader understand how technologies work and fit together, how they are practically used, and what they mean for the future.
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Book Description
Ever since so-called smart bombs debuted in the Vietnam War, precision weapons have been an expected part of modern warfare. While most Americans are aware of the use of these technological wonders, frequently viewing images of pinpoint accuracy on their television screens, few understand how the weapons work. In this very readable explanation, Michael Rip and James Hasik not only clarify the complex technology but chronicle the use of these modern marvels and elaborate on the promises and the pitfalls behind them.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"...an excellent book for readers involved with munitions, navigation, and advanced air and space systems." -- Air & Space Journal, Winter 2003
"...essential reading for anyone with an interest in the system that has revolutionized navigation and air warfare." -- Air International, August 2002
"One of the most exciting and profound strategic studies to come along for some time." -- Defense and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, 6-7, 2002
"...essential reading for anyone with an interest in the system that has revolutionized navigation and air warfare." -- Air International, August 2002
"One of the most exciting and profound strategic studies to come along for some time." -- Defense and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, 6-7, 2002
From the Publisher
Advance praise for The Precision Revolution: “The authors know more about this subject than anyone else outside the intelligence community and have produced a work that is up to snuff and up to date. . . . I positively recommend it.” --Prof. Michael Handel, Naval War College
“To their credit the authors discuss the shortcomings as well as the strengths of GPS. This book should be required reading for senior officials in the defense planning, funding development, and procurement cycles.” --Rear Adm. Julian Lake, USN (Ret.), electronic warfare specialist
“Michael Rip and James Hasik have produced a sweeping survey of the technologies of precision navigation and attack and an encyclopedic account of their combat employment throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Authoritatively written, lavishly illustrated, rich in operational and technical detail, and balanced in its treatment of capabilities and limitations, their book offers a major contribution to a more informed understanding of the new and heightened role of air and space systems in modern warfare.” --Benjamin S. Lambeth, Senior staff member, RAND, and author of The Transformation of American Air Power
"An impressive compilation of how the military came to grips with the precision employment of aerospace weaponry. The authors draw on a variety of sources to tell the story in both an authoritative and entertaining fashion. Sure to be a standard reference." --Dr. Richard P. Hallion, author of Storm over Iraq
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read,
By Mark Vandroff (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Precision Revolution: GPS and the Future of Aerial Warfare (Hardcover)
This is the finest work on military technology it has ever been my pleasure to read. The authors have clearly articulated the implications of integrated systems of information technology and precision navigation emerging in the arsenals of today.Two sections of this book are particularly instructive. The chapter on the history of military navigation sets the table for the remaining topics. It also answers the question, "What is so important about navigation, anyway?" The chapter on future policy implications reveals how precision is not a panacea - but an effective tool for specific tasks. This book should be read by everyone interested and/or involved with military operations, aquisition, logistics, and strategy.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating,
By
This review is from: The Precision Revolution: GPS and the Future of Aerial Warfare (Hardcover)
I had the pleasure of taking Michael Rip's course on national security at Michigan State University's James Madison College. We used this book as a supplement to his lectures. This book is incredible, I highly recommend reading it. It makes a striking case for GPS as one of the most important inventions of our time, and explains how the very nature of warfare has changed due to GPS technology. A very fascinating read!
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitive work on the art & science of precision warfare,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Precision Revolution: GPS and the Future of Aerial Warfare (Hardcover)
Mr. Hasik and Mr. Rip have written the finest unclassified work on how GPS and inertial guidance (with their supporting technologies) have revolutionized warfare. Although the underlying math is explained in excruiciating detail (for a liberal arts major), it is more than compensated for by outstanding case studies. As a professional military officer with service in the US Army and Air Force, I found this book to be required reading for those in the profession of arms or those who seek a greater undrestanding of the basis of the United States' current military dominance.
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