AIRBOATS

Abstract

Airboats were evaluated in Vietnam to determine if their use would increase the capability of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to intercept insurgent forces operating in inundated areas containing aquatic grasses. Two different types of airboats were observed during the combat operations of two rainy seasons, 1964 and 1965. Data collection through interviews with ARVN commanders and their US advisors revealed that the airboats provided the Vietnamese with useful mobility means that was immediately responsive to the commander operating against the Viet Cong off established waterways in the Mekong Delta during the southwest monsoon season. The Hurricane Aircat airboat, with modifications, better meets the requirements of COMUSMACV than does the Susquehanna Skimmer. It is recommended that the modified Hurricane Aircat be considered for introduction into the MAP for issue to the ARVN Special Forces and Infantry divisions deployed in the Mekong Delta, and be considered for issue to US Army Special Forces. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1966
Accession Number
AD0372880

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Grenade Launchers
  • Launchers
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Mechanics
  • Mekong Delta
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Terrain
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Military Science