How Did Helicopters Affect The Vietnam War

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"Helicopters heavily impacted the outcome of the Vietnam War through a number of different ways. During the War in 1955-1975 the helicopters were used in a completely new way and allowed for a complete new form of combat. The helicopters dramatically altered components of the Vietnam war, specifically through the support aspect of helicopters as well as the overall increase in militarisation of the war and finally the drastic changes in tactics. Helicopters within the Vietnam war dramatically impacted the outcome of the war as it completely changed military tactics that were used in battle. A number of airbases were established around the south of Vietnam so helicopters were in abundance and ready to be used for conducting reconnaissance, the transport of troops, cargo operations as well as rescue missions which dramatically changed the course of the War. Helicopters allowed for the easy transport of …show more content…

They were also used for aid during the War and evacuated wounded troops and resupply forces already on the ground which allowed for effective combat and longer missions against the enemy forces to take place. Large fleets of helicopters often provided suppressed fire for friendly troops to support them during combat. Source 3 vietnam.ttu.edu states that the Search and destroy tactics became a predominant offensive method in battle because of Helicopters. These tactics involved sending out forces which size varied depending on the mission, from a main base to search and battle N.V.A and Vietcong units in a variety areas of Vietnam. Helicopters were also often used to plant troops in certain North Vietnamese populated regions allowing