Helicopters

One of the most useful military aircraft is the helicopter. Developed toward the end of World War II, helicopters were used in the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1954-1975). They have been used in all conflicts since.

Helicopters can land combat troops, carry weapons and supplies, evacuate wounded, and fly around a battlefield to support ground troops and destroy tanks. Helicopters rescue air force pilots shot down over enemy territory as well as civilians in trouble on land or off­shore. Naval helicopters may take off from the decks of naval ships to carry out reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols and to attack enemy ships.

Transportation

The aircraft used by the military to carry troops and equipment are known as transports. Some transports are huge. The U. S. Air Force’s biggest transport is the C-5 Galaxy; only slightly smaller is the C-141 Starlifter. During the Gulf War (1990-1991), the U. S. Air Force air­lifted more than 577,000 tons (523,340 metric tons) of supplies and nearly 500,000 personnel over distances of up to 7,000 miles (11,260 kilometers) to the Middle East combat zone.

The C-130 Hercules is used on shorter – range missions. This sturdy four-engine turboprop transport has been around since 1954. One of its jobs is to drop paratroops, but it also flies as a heavily armed “gunship.” To extend their range, many military airplanes can be refueled in the air by flying tankers, such as the U. S. Air Force’s KC-10.

Military airplanes provide trans­portation wherever people are in danger or in trouble. They fly emergency aid to the victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. They evacu­ate civilians from war zones. They bring food, medicines, tents, and other sup­plies wherever there are floods, famines, or fighting.

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SEE ALSO:

• AWACS • Bomber • Fighter Plane

• Helicopter • Missile • Radar

• Stealth

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