The Vietnam War began in 1955 and lasted over two decades, with the US military withdrawal in 1973. During the US military involvement, it used a large number of aircraft and helicopters, deploying heavy artillery on the targets. This article explores some of the most iconic aircraft and helicopters used during the Vietnam War.
1 F-4 Phantom II One of the most widely used aircraft in Vietnam Crew: Two Max takeoff weight: 61,795 lb (28,030 kg) Maximum speed: Mach 2.23 (1,280 knots, 1,470 mph, 2,370 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) Cruise speed: 510 kn (580 mph, 940 km/h) Combat range: 370 NM (420 mi, 680 km) Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m) The F-4 Phantom played a key role in the Vietnam War, claiming numerous victories for the US military forces. In 1965, the USAF 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4s became victorious against the North Vietnamese MiG-17s.
The North Vietnamese MiG-21 Fishbed was defeated by the F-4C team in 1966, followed by several other aces. The F-4 can carry twice the normal load of a B-17 in an air-to-ground mission, making it the aircraft of choice for close air support missions. Two General Electric J79-GE-17A afterburning turbojet engines power the F-4, generating 11,905 lbf (52.
96 kN) thrust each (17,845 lbf, 79.38 kN with afterburner). With a maximum speed of Mach 2.
23, the aircraft can fly to a combat range of 370 NM. The F-4 Phantom's days are entering their twilight as soon as only two countries are left operating them. 2 AH-1 Cobra Attack helic.