How the Helicopter Changed Modern WarfarThe helicopter was introduced to warfare during World War II. Since then, it has had a profound effect at both the tactical and strategic levels. This in-depth book by a military aviation expert examines the growth of the helicopter's importance in warfare and argues convincingly that severe flaws in the military procurement process have led to U.S. troops using antiquated helicopter designs in combat despite billions spent on research and development. |
Contents
Preface | 9 |
Acknowledgments | 19 |
Chapter One The Helicopter Goes to War | 35 |
Chapter Two Carving a Combat Niche | 53 |
Chapter Three Helicopter Development | 77 |
Chapter Four Early Days in Vietnam | 106 |
Changes in Scale | 136 |
Chapter Six The Helicopter as an Instrument of Compassion | 158 |
Chapter Seven Changes in Helicopters Changes in Warfare | 181 |
Chapter Eight Helicopter Development | 209 |
Chapter Nine Operations in the Near East | 230 |
Chapter Ten Other Wars and the Growth of Foreign | 249 |
Chapter Eleven The Helicopter Today and Tomorrow | 275 |
Appendix Two Specifications | 322 |
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Common terms and phrases
Afghanistan Air Force Airborne airmobile American Apache assault attack autogiro Aviation became Bell Boeing capability combat command copter Courtesy of U.S. Courtesy of Zaur crews CSAR defense Diameter Main Rotor DUSTOFF effect enemy equipment fire fixed-wing aircraft flew flight flown flying Fort Rucker Frank Piasecki fuselage gunships heli helicopter Huey Igor Sikorsky improved Length rotor turning lift Lockheed machine guns Main Rotor Diameter Main Rotor Disc Manufacturer's Type/Model Number Max Speed Range MEDEVAC military missiles missions Model modern warfare Navy North Vietnamese Operation EAGLE CLAW Osprey personnel Piasecki pilot rescue role Rotor Diameter Main Rotor Disc Area Rucker Sikorsky Sikorsky H-19 South Vietnam Soviet Union Special Operations successful tactics tiltrotor tion transport troops turbine turbo shafts U.S. Army U.S. Army Museum United USAF V-22 Osprey vertical Viet Cong Vietnam War weapons Weight Maximum Performance Zaur Eylanbekov Foxbat