American helicopter pilots (1960s-1970s)

American helicopter pilots
(1960-1970s)

The United States first used helicopters during World War II (it was an R-4B helicopter designed by Igor Sikorsky). In the 1950s, during the Korean War, their use had already acquired significant proportions. But the real “helicopter” war was the fighting in Vietnam. In mid-1967, the group of American troops in Indochina already had 2,000 helicopters, and a year later their number increased to 4,200 units. Helicopters were perfect for fighting in the jungle. They carried out reconnaissance, fire cover for ground units from the air, landings and cargo transportation. Among transport helicopters, heavy crane helicopters CH-54 have proven themselves to be excellent. Their crews performed tasks of transporting various cargo and weapons - from bulldozers to combat boats, and they also participated in the evacuation of damaged helicopters and aircraft. This was hard service and was sometimes carried out under fire from the ground. The Vietnam War became a serious