ABSTRACT
American helicopters proved their value in the minesweeping role in the clearance of the Suez Canal and there is little doubt that the use of helicopters for this purpose will increase. The controversial attack helicopter or ‘gun-ship’ was developed, but more important perhaps was the widespread use of helicopters for tactical troop deployment including the movement of field artillery. Helicopters can be used in the land battle in a great many different roles, from troop transport to ferrying senior officers to conferences, but perhaps their main roles are transport of troops and weapons, attack, supply, recovery, and casualty evacuation. The Huey Cobra is the most advanced attack helicopter in service. An ‘advanced attack helicopter’ is under development in the US. The greatest value of the supply helicopter is that it can carry stores, guns, ammunition, food, etc., to a beleaguered garrison or pocket of resistance. The Chinook helicopter was extensively used in Vietnam for recovery work.
