THE GULF WAR: The Battle Front : Sorties by the Numbers
The Defense Department defines sortie as “a sudden attack made from a defensive position” and “an operational flight by one aircraft.” So when a Pentagon briefing makes reference to “400 sorties,” that number includes all the aircraft that might participate in the bombing runs--not just the bombers. This includes escorts planes, cover patrols, AWACS and refueling craft and reconnaissance flights.
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