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 arenot 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.

The AACS is comprised of four sub-series of titles, as shown below. Through the Collection of works in each of these sub-series, 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.