The Planes
This page contains pictures of most of the planes that were flown during the Viet Nam War.
These are the planes I flew in initially. Officially called the OP-2E, the variant in this picture was a 'sensor ship'. Originally designed before the end of WWII as a medium, long-ranged bomber, the Lockheed P2 Neptune became the Navy's primary anti-submarine warfare airplane. During the Viet Nam conflict, it served in a different role, and came in sensor and gunship variants. They were slow, but tough, and filled an immediate need.
The A1D Skyraider
Another plane that was designed in the final days of WWII, this plane never saw combat in that conflict, but served with distinction in Korea and Viet Nam. These planes were known to the troops as "Sandy" and were highly prized because of their ability to carry their own weight in weapons, and to stay over the top of a downed pilot, providing him cover fire, until a helicopter could arrive.
The A4 Skyhawk
Small, manueverable and tough, the little A4 Skyhawk, affectionately known as a "Scooter" was a little workhorse that spent a lot of time 'Downtown' over Hanoi.
The A7 Corsair II
Another of the US Navy's attack aircraft, this tough plane was faster and had a longer range than the A4 Skyhawk.
The F4 Phantom II
The photo here is of an Air Force variant of the F4, which was flown by the US Air Force, Navy and Marines. Heavy, fast and powerful, it proved to be more than a match for many hapless MiG pilots.
It could also be used in an attack role to carry bombs or rockets for deployment on enemy positions.
F8 Crusader
Known through the Fleet as 'The Last of the Gunfighters', the F8 was, like the Phantom, more than a match for the MiGs that fought it. Not as well known or recognized as the Phantom, most F8 pilots considered their plane to be a better dogfight plane than the better known Phantom. Her moniker of 'The Last of the Gunfighters' proved premature, though. After the experiment with missile-only planes (the Phantom), the people who did the flying demanded a built-in gun in later planes.
Another, sadder shot of an F8U Crusader. This is what our government does with old planes and old warriors, alike. They are left to rot away.
WV1
Call Sign: Red Crown
This long range military variant of the Constellation airliner flown by TWA had powerful radars, and acted as both early warning and intercept controller for US aircraft flying and fighting over the skies of Viet Nam.
F105 Thunderchief
Better known as "Thud", this plane was initially designed as a light strategic bomber. Even though it carried the designation of "Fighter", it was really a weapons deployment platform. Easy prey for MiGs, the pilot and "Bears" had to fly 100 missions to be able to go home. Not many of them made it that far.
O1G
Known in the civilian world as a Super Piper Cub, this little plane was flown by some of the bravest pilots of the Viet Nam war. It would snoop around at low altitude until it drew enemy ground fire. Then it would mark the enemy positions and call in support from the Phantoms, Corsairs or Skyhawks. Called FACs or Forward Air Controllers, these little planes saved a lot of lives.
O2 Skymaster
Another FAC plane, the Cessna O2A Skymaster was faster than the Piper Cub O1, but was still unarmored, and it took a brave pilot to fly one over enemy territory.
OV-10 Bronco
This nimble twin engine plane was a late replacement for the Piper Cubs, and actually had a few 'teeth' of its own. In addition to rocket launchers, this little plane could also carry small gun pods. The pilots were surrounded by armor which could turn back most small arms fire.
P3 Orion
This is the plane I served my last combat tour with. In its civilian version, the Lockheed Electra was a failure. Rough riding and noisy, it came to life as jets were taking over the skies as airliners. Powered by four 5000 horsepower turboprops, these planes were tough and durable, and are still in use today. In Viet Nam, they were used to keep an eye on water-borne traffic, and their powerful radars were also useful.
Designed to be an anti-submarine warfare platform, the P3 has a large bomb bay that could carry 8 torpedoes, and the wing hardpoints could carry an array of weapons, from pods of 2.75 and 5 inch rockets to various missiles. They were used in Viet Nam primarily because of their high endurance. A P3 in "loiter mode" could easily stay on station for nearly a full day. During the latter part of the Viet Nam war, some of them were used to deploy mines in Haiphong Harbor.
B-52H Stratofortress
What gallery of Viet Nam era planes would be complete without a picture of a B-52. Now over a half-century old, this plane was used to finally force the North Vietnamese to the bargaining tables. If you're curious about them, look up "Rolling Thunder" and "Arc Light". Still flying today, they are used extensively over Afghanistan, where they fly high above any anti-aircraft fire, and drop JDAMS. Wish we'd had a few of those in 'Nam.
This page contains pictures of most of the planes that were flown during the Viet Nam War.
These are the planes I flew in initially. Officially called the OP-2E, the variant in this picture was a 'sensor ship'. Originally designed before the end of WWII as a medium, long-ranged bomber, the Lockheed P2 Neptune became the Navy's primary anti-submarine warfare airplane. During the Viet Nam conflict, it served in a different role, and came in sensor and gunship variants. They were slow, but tough, and filled an immediate need.
The A1D Skyraider
Another plane that was designed in the final days of WWII, this plane never saw combat in that conflict, but served with distinction in Korea and Viet Nam. These planes were known to the troops as "Sandy" and were highly prized because of their ability to carry their own weight in weapons, and to stay over the top of a downed pilot, providing him cover fire, until a helicopter could arrive.
The A4 Skyhawk
Small, manueverable and tough, the little A4 Skyhawk, affectionately known as a "Scooter" was a little workhorse that spent a lot of time 'Downtown' over Hanoi.
The A7 Corsair II
Another of the US Navy's attack aircraft, this tough plane was faster and had a longer range than the A4 Skyhawk.
The F4 Phantom II
The photo here is of an Air Force variant of the F4, which was flown by the US Air Force, Navy and Marines. Heavy, fast and powerful, it proved to be more than a match for many hapless MiG pilots.
It could also be used in an attack role to carry bombs or rockets for deployment on enemy positions.
F8 Crusader
Known through the Fleet as 'The Last of the Gunfighters', the F8 was, like the Phantom, more than a match for the MiGs that fought it. Not as well known or recognized as the Phantom, most F8 pilots considered their plane to be a better dogfight plane than the better known Phantom. Her moniker of 'The Last of the Gunfighters' proved premature, though. After the experiment with missile-only planes (the Phantom), the people who did the flying demanded a built-in gun in later planes.
Another, sadder shot of an F8U Crusader. This is what our government does with old planes and old warriors, alike. They are left to rot away.
WV1
Call Sign: Red Crown
This long range military variant of the Constellation airliner flown by TWA had powerful radars, and acted as both early warning and intercept controller for US aircraft flying and fighting over the skies of Viet Nam.
F105 Thunderchief
Better known as "Thud", this plane was initially designed as a light strategic bomber. Even though it carried the designation of "Fighter", it was really a weapons deployment platform. Easy prey for MiGs, the pilot and "Bears" had to fly 100 missions to be able to go home. Not many of them made it that far.
O1G
Known in the civilian world as a Super Piper Cub, this little plane was flown by some of the bravest pilots of the Viet Nam war. It would snoop around at low altitude until it drew enemy ground fire. Then it would mark the enemy positions and call in support from the Phantoms, Corsairs or Skyhawks. Called FACs or Forward Air Controllers, these little planes saved a lot of lives.
O2 Skymaster
Another FAC plane, the Cessna O2A Skymaster was faster than the Piper Cub O1, but was still unarmored, and it took a brave pilot to fly one over enemy territory.
OV-10 Bronco
This nimble twin engine plane was a late replacement for the Piper Cubs, and actually had a few 'teeth' of its own. In addition to rocket launchers, this little plane could also carry small gun pods. The pilots were surrounded by armor which could turn back most small arms fire.
P3 Orion
This is the plane I served my last combat tour with. In its civilian version, the Lockheed Electra was a failure. Rough riding and noisy, it came to life as jets were taking over the skies as airliners. Powered by four 5000 horsepower turboprops, these planes were tough and durable, and are still in use today. In Viet Nam, they were used to keep an eye on water-borne traffic, and their powerful radars were also useful.
Designed to be an anti-submarine warfare platform, the P3 has a large bomb bay that could carry 8 torpedoes, and the wing hardpoints could carry an array of weapons, from pods of 2.75 and 5 inch rockets to various missiles. They were used in Viet Nam primarily because of their high endurance. A P3 in "loiter mode" could easily stay on station for nearly a full day. During the latter part of the Viet Nam war, some of them were used to deploy mines in Haiphong Harbor.
B-52H Stratofortress
What gallery of Viet Nam era planes would be complete without a picture of a B-52. Now over a half-century old, this plane was used to finally force the North Vietnamese to the bargaining tables. If you're curious about them, look up "Rolling Thunder" and "Arc Light". Still flying today, they are used extensively over Afghanistan, where they fly high above any anti-aircraft fire, and drop JDAMS. Wish we'd had a few of those in 'Nam.
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