DC Wings - Wings Over Vietnam The Missions II (1997) Part 1 The Gunship

Throughout the Vietnam War, the United States was forced to develop a vast array of new air tactics and technology to meet unique challenges posed by unconventional, jungle warfare. This series chronicles the men who flew the missions, the aircraft that were involved, and their incredible stories of ingenuity, determination, triumph, and tragedy. During the course of the Southeast Asian war, the United States developed many new types of air tactics that had never previously been needed. Invariably putting existing technology through radical redevelopment, new missions were devised, often under bizarre code-names. This series takes you back for one of the most intense air campaigns ever waged. From “Flaming Dart” to “Rolling Thunder,” the skies over Vietnam exploded with incredible air attacks while ground forces dug into the trenches. “Wings Over Vietnam” combines rare combat footage with first-hand accounts to create a captivating portrait of these unique missions, the men who flew them, and the impact they had on the Vietnam War.

Part 1 The Gunship

The conflict in Vietnam was often referred to as the Helicopter War. The helicopter played all sorts of roles during the Vietnam War, from transport and search-rescue to MEDEVAC and heavily armed gunships. Certainly, it was here that helicopters became most useful, but not only in what has previously been considered their only role as a transport vehicle. Before Vietnam, the helicopter was valued for its ability to evacuate wounded soldiers from trouble, but virtually ignored was its capabilities as an offensive weapon. The long war in Southeast Asia would see that change dramatically. Now they were developed into specialist fighting machines, carrying cannons and rockets.

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