The Vietnam War was the first war in which the role of helicopters was raised to a new level and used on a huge scale
Bell UH-1 Iroquois
The most popular helicopters used by the US during the Vietnam War were the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. During the period from 1956 to 1973, the US produced a total of nearly 10,000 UH-1s of all kinds, of which more than 7,000 were brought to Vietnam. This was the helicopter that played the most important role for the US and its allies in this war. With its multipurpose capabilities, the UH-1 types can carry out the mission of carrying troops, cargo, fire support and evacuation.
Bell AH-1 Cobra
Beginning in mass production in 1967, the Bell AH-1 Cobra is considered the United States Air Force’s most successful combat helicopter of all time. During the Vietnam War, the AH-1 Cobra helicopters performed a total of more than 1.6 million flight hours, accounting for one fifth of all helicopters on duty on the Vietnam battlefield.
US Kaman SH-2
Built in 1962, the US Kaman SH-2 helicopters were originally used as a high-speed multipurpose helicopter. By the late 1960s, the United States had upgraded these SH-2 helicopters to anti-submarine warfare and early warning helicopters. However, on the Vietnamese battlefield, SH-2 helicopters still mainly carry out transport missions, especially the establishment of an air bridge between aircraft carriers and destroyers of the US Navy to Saigon.
Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave
The Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave was a heavy helicopter used by the US in relatively small numbers during the Vietnam War. With a maximum takeoff weight of up to 9.5 tons, the CH-37 was not only capable of carrying cargo, hoisting artillery but also able to hoist other helicopters when they fail.
Piasecki H-21
The Piasecki H-21 was an extremely durable helicopter that has been produced by the US since 1952 and was used in the beginning of the Vietnam War. Nicknamed the “banana”, this multi-role helicopter was designed to operate in all types of weather and can perform well in environments with temperatures as low as -54 degrees Celsius.
