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.