Close Air Support In Vietnam

This study traces the development of close air support tactics and operations in South Vietnam from 1961 through 1973. The early years (1961-64) witnessed the buildup of Farm Gate operations and introduction of the Tactical Air Control System (Barn Door). Tactics evolved for the 0-1 Bird Dog FAC and for such strike aircraft as the T-28 Trojan B-26 Invader and A-lE Skyraider. During the buildup (1965-68) the 0-2A Skymaster and OV-10 Bronco bolstered forward air control. Strike operations were strengthened by the F-100 Super Sabre B-57 Canberra F-4 Phantom F-5 Freedom Fighter and A-37 Dragonfly. Gunships (the AC-47 Spooky AC-130 Spectre AC-119G Shadow and AC-119K Stinger) also gave excellent assistance to group troops. Support of Special Forces commenced. Tactics were further refined to meet the changing needs of close air support. In the final period (1969-73) the OV-10 acted as an armed FAC. The A-7 Corsair II entered the war. Lastly the study discusses the A-10 close air support aircraft.