Osprey Vietnam Choppers

(Booklet)

Reviewed by Bill Rutherford

By Simon Dunstan, published by Osprey, 27a Floral St., London, WC2E9DP, 199 pgs., colors and b/w photos, $19.95.

Vietnam Choppers is a detailed account of US heliborne warfare in Vietnam. A short introductory chapter addresses the development of the helicopter as a war machine and sets the stage for its use in Vietnam. Topics covered by Dunstan (typically in separate chapters) include short histories of US airmobile operations in Vietnam, of armed helicopter use and ambulance helicopter use there, and of USN, USAF, and USMC helicopter operations there. Vietnam Choppers is a blend of history, technical description, and anecdote written in a clear, lively, narrative style. Much of the description undertaken by Dunstan has a "You are there" quality about it, enhanced by the numerous first-person recollections spotted throughout. Photo coverage is quite good. With something over 200 b/w photos in the book, some are more informative than others, but all serve a purpose; few of the pictures qualify as "filler". There are seventeen color photos in a center spread -these add a bit of glossiness to Vietnam Choppers but, unfortunately, not much to its information content. This book is targeted at the reader who wants a good understanding of helicopter operations in Vietnam. The gamer, interested in the-Vietnam War will find a wealth of scenario ideas and details herein - it is well recommended.

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