Employment of CV-2B Company in Counterinsurgency Operations
Abstract
Data on the CV-2B (Caribou) company were collected during counterinsurgency operations in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). The ACTIV project officer and evaluators participated as crew members on each type of mission flown in each of the corps zones. Their observations, interviews, and official records form the basis of this report. The CV-2B, under operational control of the corps senior advisors, special forces in Vietnam, or United States Overseas Mission (USOM), provided effective and responsive support to counterinsurgency operations in Vietnam. The short takeoff and landing (STOL) characteristics of the CV-2B aided by reversible pitch propellers, its capability to fly in and out of short airstrips under all but the most severe weather conditions, and its maneuverability in restricted terrain, rendered the Caribou exceptionally well- suited for sustained support of counterinsurgency operations in Vietnam. Reversible pitch propeller modifaction and AN/ANP-158 (WP-103) weather avoidance radar enhanced the effectiveness of the CV-2B in Vietnam. The low-level extraction (LOLEX) technique for aerial delivery of cargo provided flexibility in selection of delivery methods, resulted in a significant reduction in cost of air items (equipment needed to rig for aerial delivery), and reduced rigging and recovery time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0911983