Abstract
Whether technological superiority guarantees air superiority remains a fundamental question in air power theory. Focusing on World War II (1939–45) and the Korean conflict (1950–53), this article considers the Cotton Aerodynamic Anti-G (CAAG) suit as a putatively “war-winning” innovation. Championed by the Royal Australian Air Force, it lost out to the Canadian Franks Flying Suit worn by Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm flyers, and to U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy anti-G outfits. Lacking consistent policy, priority, and pilot support, the CAAG suit’s proponents failed to convert its technological advantages into doctrinal and tactical benefits.
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Cite this article
Peter Hobbins, “Engineering the Fighter Pilot: Aviators, Anti-G suits, and Allied Air Power, 1940–53,” The Journal of Military History 84, no. 1 (January 2020): 115–149.