American Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems - Hardcover

Mutza, Wayne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1580071546 ISBN 13: 9781580071543

Publisher: Specialty Press, 2012

Synopsis

U.S. Army aviators pioneered the first helicopter gun platforms in the early 1950s. Today, helicopter gunships are the most unique element of rotary-wing aviation, redefining the term "close air support." As the ultimate development of the military helicopter, these largely U. S.-designed-and-built aircraft reign supreme as the premier attack platforms of modern aerial warfare. AMERICAN HELICOPTER GUNSHIPS begins with the Vietnam War as the ultimate proving ground that first utilized helicopter gunships and saw the development of other rotary-wing weapons systems as well. This book also explores fascinating post-war programs like the experimental Comanche, Blackhawk, and Apache. Through in-depth research and exclusive high-quality photos, noted author and helicopter expert Wayne Mutza examines in vivid detail the numerous weapon systems mated with a surprisingly wide variety of helicopters. Attention is also given to helicopter gunships developed by other Free World countries and Communist nations.

About this title

Review:

"In all, it is everything you have ever wanted to know about the subject all under one cover. Typical of Specialty Press' books, it is the best reference on the subject you can find and a well written read in and of itself. As such, it is highly recommended." -Modeling Madness, reviewed by Scott Van Aken, October 2010-- (10/01/2010)

"Overall, this is a very good overview of the development and operations of helicopter gunships. From the well-written text to the good selection of photographs, this is a great reference for the helicopter modeler." -Internet Modeler, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl, November 2010-- (11/01/2010)

"I highly recommend this book; it's not some coffee table picture book, this is serious history and I think you'll enjoy the read." -VHPA Aviator, December 2010--VHPA Aviator (Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assoc.) (12/01/2010)

Product mention.--Book News (02/01/2011)

"At 208 pages, the book is unsurpassed in its coverage of a heretofore sporadically covered topic. Where the book really shines is in its outstanding photographic coverage." -Vertflite, Winter 2010, reviewed by Ray Robb-- (12/01/2010)

Book mention.--Air Force Magazine (02/01/2011)

"The author presents impressive research into the weapons systems the helicopters carried." -Seapower, May 2011--Seapower (05/01/2011)

From the Back Cover:

U.S. Army aviation pioneers developed the first helicopter gunships after the Korean War. Today, these aircraft are the most unique element of rotary-wing aviation, redefining the term "close air support" for the Army, Navy, and Marines. As the ultimate evolution of the military helicopter, these largely American-designed and -produced gunships reign supreme as the premier attack platforms in both ground and aerial warfare. Although Vietnam was the proving ground for the world's first pure helicopter gunships, refined versions of these helicopters are still being flown around the world today. This story focuses on the Vietnam War because that conflict nurtured the helicopter gunship and saw the development of other advanced helicopter weapon systems as well. Also covered are such fascinating postwar programs as the experimental Cheyenne, Blackhawk, and Comanche, and modern Cobra, Kiowa Warrior, and Apache. Through in-depth research and exclusive never-before-published photos, this book examines in vivid detail numerous helicopter weapon systems from the mid 1950s to today. Historic and modern helicopter gunships developed by both communist and free-world nations are also covered.

About this edition

• Publisher: Specialty Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1580071546
• ISBN 13: 9781580071543
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208