Evolution of Aerial Warfare: Transition to Side-Mounted Gunships

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Introduction
Since the beginning of modern warfare, controlling the high ground has been a key strategy to military success. With the advent of aerial warfare, this philosophy remained true, however the new high ground became airborne supremacy. Early uses of close air support, during World War II and Korea, utilized fixed forward weapon systems, primarily through strafing roles. While these aircraft were very effective during their conflicts, a new issue arose out of the dense foliage jungle canopies of Vietnam. Many of these newer aircraft utilized jet engine propulsion, which led to pilots struggling to identify targets, especially during multiple engagement on the same target (Ballard, 1982). Given the vital successes of previous conflict impacts on enemy logistics, and the apparent shortcomings during the early years of Vietnam, a new methodology had to be developed, refined and implemented.
Two early pioneers of the side mounted gunship …show more content…

However, by Vietnam, the C-47 was significantly older and tired, additionally, it was considered a vulnerable aircraft due to its age and speed. While these limitations were known, the aircraft was still being used in country, specifically by special operations units. Capt. Ronald Terry, a research pilot for the gunship program, capitalized on these limitations and current users of the aircraft to suggest the C-47 to conversion to the AC-47. Critics of the program pointed out that such a slow aircraft would be susceptible to enemy fire, however Terry countered their argument that helicopter were much more vulnerable to these threats and operate daily within the Vietnam theater. In November of 1964 his petition was heard by the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Curtis LeMay, who approved the project for combat testing in Vietnam, giving birth to Gunship I, the AC-47 Ballard,

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