Previously Buddha1701d

The A-4s last ride in Vietnam on Hancock was pretty interesting. Fs with laser trackers in the nose dropping LGBs,guided by hand held designators carried by the Navy’s only combat use of TA-4s

my most recent illustration: The Cessna O-1 Bird Dog was a light observation and liaison aircraft that played an essential role in the Vietnam War from the early 1960s. Its main missions included forward air control (FAC), in which pilots flew at low altitude and speed to locate enemy positions, mark targets with white phosphorus smoke rockets, and direct attack aircraft and bombers; artillery fire correction; visual reconnaissance; radio relay; and convoy escort. Its STOL capabilities, excellent visibility, and ability to remain on station for long periods made it especially valuable in jungle environments and irregular warfare.It was operated primarily by the United States Army and Air Force, the Marine Corps, the South Vietnamese Air Force, and clandestine units. Although it was highly vulnerable to ground fire due to its low speed and lack of armor, its effectiveness in coordinating air and artillery support was irreplaceable until it was gradually replaced by faster aircraft such as the O-2 Skymaster and the OV-10 Bronco. During the conflict, 469 units were lost.