Hovering Helicopter Insertion/Extraction dynmicpara

[welhungjohnson]

Probably a contributing factor was the fact that LBJ's family were major holders in the Bell helicopter company. The same company that built the UH-1 Hueys.

Just a thought.

[irnbruirnbru]

@welhungjohnson Is that true? If so thats sickeningly disturbing

[dynmicpara]

So what's our excuse now 6 decades later?

[BlacktailFA]

So... Vietnam had lots of open country for paratrooping, yet the Army and Marines flew countless thousands of helicopters into enemy territory --- to stop and hover right smack in the enemy's AA gunsights?

That's pathetic...

[dynmicpara]

Sadly, true.

The point of a helicopter is to hover insert/extract in/out of closed terrain to achieve surprise. In open terrain, you need dispersal and mass via paratroops that can bring with them light tank armored mobility and firepower. Once in overmatching force on the ground helos can safely resupply you by airland

[Victortrotska]

Well at least that was a good way to deplete the enemies' ammunition and lower the US population... :-(