The Helicopter War: How Gunships Ruled the Air in Vietnam

While helicopters were used to some extent during World War II and more frequently during the Korean War, widespread use took off during the Vietnam conflict. Also known as the “Helicopter War,” the US military relied on helicopters and other combat craft during the Vietnam War to transport troops, weapons, and supplies across the difficult terrain of the dense jungle environment. In addition to transport, battleships were heavily armed and used for combat missions. (Also see every vehicle used in the Vietnam War.)

24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of combat aircraft (fixed and rotary wing) used by the US during the Vietnam War by examining an aircraft catalog from the Military Factory, an online database of weapons, vehicles and aircraft used by the military. worldwide. We have ordered these battleships chronologically and have included additional information from the Military Factory regarding type, manufacturer, maximum speed and armament.

Why are we covering this?

The Vietnam War was one of the first modern military conflicts to use helicopters and fighter jets. As such, the tactics and strategies used throughout the conflict will be studied and refined for years to come. Understanding this facet of the conflict provides context to the overall conflict and provides insight into the evolution of military doctrine.

Here’s a look at the planes that fought in the Vietnam War.

C-47 (Skytrain / Dakota)

• Type: Medium transport aircraft
• Producer: Douglas
• Year of introduction: 1942
• Maximum speed: 230 mph
• Armament: 12.7 mm machine guns, 7.62 mm machine guns

C-119 Flying Wagon

• Type: Military transport/gunship aircraft
• Producer: Fairchild
• Year of introduction: 1949
• Maximum speed: 281 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm miniguns, 20mm Vulcan autocannons

H-19 Chickasaw

• Type: Multirole helicopter
• Producer: Sikorsky
• Year of introduction: 1950
• Maximum speed: 101 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns, 12.7 mm machine guns, rockets

Mil Mi-4 (Hound)

• Type: Multirole utility helicopter
• Producer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
• Year of introduction: 1953
• Maximum speed: 115 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns, rockets

Piasecki H-21 Workhorse

• Type: Tandem rotor helicopter
• Producer: Piasecki helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1953
• Maximum speed: 127 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns, 12.7 mm machine guns, rockets

H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw

• Type: Close air support helicopter
• Producer: Sikorsky
• Year of introduction: 1954
• Maximum speed: 173 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns, rockets

C-130 Hercules

• Type: Multirole transport aircraft
• Producer: Lockheed Martin
• Year of introduction: 1956
• Maximum speed: 373 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm Minicannons, 20mm Vulcan Autocannons, 40mm Cannons, 105mm Field Cannon

UH-1 Iroquois

• Type: Multirole helicopter
• Producer: Bell Helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1959
• Maximum speed: 137 mph
• Armament: 12.7 mm machine guns, 7.62 mm machine guns, rocket guns, grenade launchers, guns of various calibers

SH-3 Sea King

• Type: Maritime patrol helicopter
• Producer: Sikorsky
• Year of introduction: 1961
• Maximum speed: 166 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, Mk 44 or 46 torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, depth charges

UH-1B/C Huey Cobra / Frog

• Type: Army helicopter
• Producer: Bell Helicopter
• Year of introduction: 1962
• Maximum speed: 95 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, miniguns, rocket pods, 40mm grenade launcher

AC-47 Scary

• Type: Fixed wing aircraft
• Producer: Douglas
• Year of introduction: 1965
• Maximum speed: 233 mph
• Armament: 7.62 mm machine guns, Gatling guns

Mil Mi-8 (Hip)

• Type: Medium-lift multirole helicopter
• Producer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
• Year of introduction: 1967
• Maximum speed: 162 mph
• Armament: Missile Pod, Swatter Anti-Tank Missiles, Sagger Anti-Tank Missiles, Gun Bridges, 12.7mm Machine Guns

AC-119 (Shadow / Stinger)

• Type: Close Air Support Gunship
• Producer: Fairchild
• Year of introduction: 1968
• Maximum speed: 208 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm miniguns, 20mm Vulcan autocannons

AC-130H Specter / AC-130 Spooky

• Type: Close Air Support/Force Protection Gunship
• Producer: Lockheed Martin / Boeing
• Year of introduction: 1972
• Maximum speed: 300 mph
• Armament: 20mm Gatling guns, 40mm autocannons, 105mm field gun

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