Immediate Suppression: Heliborne Escort in the Vietnam War and Today
Abstract
During the Vietnam War, the concept of vertical maneuver was greatly expanded. The enemy recognized the advantages that vertical maneuver provided and began targeting troop transporting aircraft, which necessitated the development of tactics and helicopter escorts to provide protection. Today, in the MV 22, the Marine Corps possesses a revolutionary new capability. However, it has not yet solved the problem of how to protect the new aircraft from enemy ground fire. This study examines the experiences of troop transport and escort helicopters during the Vietnam War. It also examines the current and proposed methods that the Marine Corps is utilizing to escort the Osprey. Finally, it attempts to draw conclusions from the history of Vietnam heliborne operations and apply them to the current escort dilemma. In considering long range air assault operations with the MV-22, current decision makers may be informed by the history of Army and Marine Corps heliborne operations in the Vietnam War, which demonstrated that helicopter escorts capable of providing immediate suppressive fires in the landing zone.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1176207
Entities
People
- Christopher J Myette
Organizations
- Marine Corps University