Description
The Vietnam War launched a revolution in the military use of the helicopter. The first purpose-built attack helicopters were used, and have since become a standard fixture of every major army.The development of heli-borne infantry has led most countries to convert a portion of their paratroopers to the airmobile role. In Vietnam, and in the Persian Gulf, previously unheard-of feats were accomplished by transport helicopters, leading to a new generation of these often-gigantic craft.This definitive account contains sections on the 40 most important combat helicopters currently in use worldwide, helicopter technology, and the full range of modern helicopter missions. The detailed text is backed up by hundreds of color photographs and charts, showing camouflage schemes and markings active operations, alternate combat loads, and mission plans.