Kalypso Media has released some new screenshots of as well as information on the helicopters to be featured in its upcoming Air Conflicts: Vietnam, which is due out this Fall on Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 platforms.
Helicopter Information
AH-1 Cobra
The world’s first attack helicopter, the AH-1 Cobra arrived to the Vietnam War right when it was needed. It (partnered with the UH-1 Iroquois) helped the U.S. Army establish the air mobility concept, and created the air cavalry military branch. Cobras were used extensively during the war, creating and filling combat roles such as CAS (close air support), transport escort and security, and in operations from the Tet Offensive until the end of the war. Even though the Cobra has been officially retired from U.S. Army service, it continues to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps, the USDA Forest Service, and by other nations around the world.
UH-1 Iroquois
The UH-1 Iroquois was designed to be a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopter for the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. It became one of the most iconic machines man has ever built, not only for its roles during the Vietnam War, but also for its use in every U.S. war since then, ultimately changing how warfare has been conducted across the globe. During the Vietnam War, the UH-1 (Huey) was involved in all manner of combat and non-combat operations, escorted by other helicopters, and sometimes outfitted with door guns and rocket pods. Collectively known as the workhorse of the U.S. Army’s aerial fleet, the UH-1 was often there to get the job done.
CH-47 Chinook
The CH-47 Chinook is a helicopter fitting the heavy-lift, transport, supply, and artillery emplacement roles. During the Vietnam War, its heavy-lift capability made it crucial for carrying large equipment loads and single items (such as artillery guns) around the battlefield, to and from places that were difficult to reach otherwise. The Chinook could be outfitted with door guns, which made it especially useful for retrieving downed aircraft crew and equipment.
OH-58 Kiowa
The OH-58 Kiowa is a light observation helicopter, also used to coordinate direct fire support and utility ops. It was often teamed with the AH-1 Cobra during the Vietnam War as what’s known as a hunter-killer team; the Kiowa would scout for and purposefully draw fire from enemy targets, while the Cobra would strike the targets from a flanking position, often by surprise.
OH-6 Cayuse
When the U.S. Army transitioned to rotor-wing aircraft in 1964, the OH-6 Cayuse took over the recon and observation roles from the O-1 Bird Dog fixed-wing plane, and continued those roles during the Vietnam War. The OH-6 was a small helicopter with a low profile, which also made it suitable for light combat (outfitted with guns, missiles, or rockets) and escort missions.
CH-53 Sea Stallion
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is another heavy-lift helicopter made for use by the U.S. Marine Corps, as a response to the U.S. Army’s CH-47 Chinook. From January 1969 until the end of the war, the CH-53 recovered more down aircraft than did the CH-54 Tarhe (The Crane), and expanded its use into the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
Mi-8 Hip
The Mi-8 Hip was Soviet Union-produced helicopter designed for the assault and transport roles. As one of the most produced helicopters in the world, the North Vietnamese used the Mi-8 in both of those roles.
