Hard to believe that these planes were still being used in Vietnam.
There were many other WW II aircraft used in Vietnam. C46-C47-A26-Piper Super Cub and many other transport planes.
Since you brought up the Brits. Sadly the britâs havenât done much right when it comes to warfare in the last couple of hundred years but their most notable exceptions probably all relate to combat aviation.
The Mosquito was one of the best multi role aircraft of WWII and was responsible for some all but impossible accomplishments and the Lancaster was arguably the best heavy bomber second only to the B-29.
Cold war British aircraft however for the most part were junk with a few exceptions, one of course being the Super Marine Harrier and the other their Vulcan bomber.
The Vulcan was a truly amazing aircraft and among its many roles from strategic nuclear deterrent to heavy conventional bomber but itâs long range reliability put it in a very, very small group keeping good company with the American B-52 and B-1 bombers.
It was responsible for the longest bombing mission in history flying from England all the way to the Falklands and then returning successfully thanks to some heroic aerial refueling.
The Canukâs deserve an honorable mention here since Avro Canada was responsible for the concept and early work and produced three of the best aircraft of the cold war era when the rest of the world was ignoring Canada completely as an aviation contributor.
Itâs really a shame it came along so late barely missing out on seeing action during WWII.
Had it been fielded in 42-43 it no doubt would have saved a hell of a lot of lives in itâs ground support role during the March To Tokyo Island hopping campaigns.
Engine wise it was pretty well the pinnacle of piston aircraft engine development benefiting from all the designs that struggled before it came along.
The Air Force had a secret group of Pilots in Laos called the Ravens. Very daring pilots!
My log books were destroyed many years ago in a fire, but I know that I flew several hundred hours in the O-1. The bird I flew was painted olive drab and was practically invisible at nights.
It took big balls to fly that glorified beer can into enemy territory. Hatâs off.
Here is a first hand account of the Ravens and the job they accomplished.The tutorial has photos and the narrative is spellbinding. Well worth the time to watch.
That was pretty cool to watch. Enjoyed every minute of it!
I was an Army bush pilot. I had very similar duties. I do not think the American public appreciates the scope of our military involvement in Laos.
My favorite small high wing aircraft are STOLâŚlike this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qzCJrfTgms&t=13s
Here is another super video. Has many different airplanes, including STOL modifications.
F4U Corsair, the first military airplane to attain 400mph in level flight.
I flew on this thing when in Iraq.
Ever heard of the âGriffin Flightâ?
I rode a million miles in the C5A, 141, and 130âs.
The 141 always scared the hell out of us because it felt like it was standing on itâs tail for about half the run down the runway and the passenger seats faced the rear of the plane. HA!
