Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems - Hardcover

Mutza, Wayne

9781580071543: Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1580071546 ISBN 13: 9781580071543

Publisher: Specialty Press, 2010

U.S. Army aviators pioneered the first helicopter gun platforms in the early 1950s. Today, helicopter gunships are the most unique element of rotary-wing aviation, redefining the term "close air support." As the ultimate development of the military helicopter, these largely U. S.-designed-and-built aircraft reign supreme as the premier attack platforms of modern aerial warfare.

Helicopter Gunships begins with the Vietnam War as the ultimate proving ground that first utilized helicopter gunships and saw the development of other rotary-wing weapons systems as well. This book also explores fascinating post-war programs like the experimental Comanche, Blackhawk, and Apache. Through in-depth research and exclusive high-quality photos, noted author and helicopter expert Wayne Mutza examines in vivid detail the numerous weapon systems mated with a surprisingly wide variety of helicopters. Attention is also given to helicopter gunships developed by other Free World countries and Communist nations.

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From the Back Cover:

U.S. Army aviation pioneers developed the first helicopter gunships after the Korean War. Today, these aircraft are the most unique element of rotary-wing aviation, redefining the term “close air support” for the Army, Navy, and Marines. As the ultimate evolution of the military helicopter, these largely American-designed and -produced gunships reign supreme as the premier attack platforms in both ground and aerial warfare. Although Vietnam was the proving ground for the world’s first pure helicopter gunships, refined versions of these helicopters are still being flown around the world today. This story focuses on the Vietnam War because that conflict nurtured the helicopter gunship and saw the development of other advanced helicopter weapon systems as well. Also covered are such fascinating postwar programs as the experimental Cheyenne, Blackhawk, and Comanche, and modern Cobra, Kiowa Warrior, and Apache. Through in-depth research and exclusive never-before-published photos, this book examines in vivid detail numerous helicopter weapon systems from the mid 1950s to today. Historic and modern helicopter gunships developed by both communist and free-world nations are also covered.

About the Author:

Wayne Mutza has drawn from his many experiences and passion for writing to complete 21 books and a number of magazine articles. Mutza has written extensively on the air war in Vietnam. He also teaches writing courses and has served as a consultant for military aviation documentaries. He served with the U.S. Army as an airborne infantryman, helicopter crew chief, and instructor.

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