Page:Airmobility 1961-1971.pdf/265

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES AND LAOS
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to employ the Air Cavalry in the close fire support role rather than in the reconnaissance role.

During LAMSON 719, the 2d Battalion 17 Cavalry encountered PT-76 tanks, a target new to the squadron.[1] Initially, anti-tank rockets were not available; engagement was made with ordnance on hand. Upon sighting a tank the Cobras would initiate contact at maximum range with 2.75-inch flechette rockets. This served to wipe personnel off the vehicles and their immediate proximity. As the gun run continued, the AH-1G pilots would begin firing a mixture of high explosive and white phosphorous rockets, breaking off the run at approximately 500 meters and, indeed, often overflying the target.

When available, the XM-35 20-mm cannon was used. This weapon was extremely accurate, and afforded a theoretical standoff distance of 2,000 to 2,500 meters; however, adequate ammunition was not available for this weapon. When high explosive, anti-tank rockets became available, results were mixed. This rocket was capable of penetrating armor, but direct hits on the target were required. Accuracy dictated that engagements be made at ranges of 500-1,000 meters from the target, thus exposing the gunship to the tank's 12.7-mm and to supporting enemy infantry in the area.

Upon sighting a tank or group of tanks, the Cavalry gunships would engage them to maintain contact, then normally turn the target over to the Air Force and continue reconnaissance missions. If Tactical air was not available, the gunships would engage tanks until their ordnance was expended; but they rarely had enough ordnance to destroy every tank in a particular sighting. Between 8 February 1971 and 24 March 1971, the Cavalry sighted 66 tanks, destroyed (burned) six, and immobilized eight.[2] Three of the destroyed tanks were hit with flechettes, High Explosive and White Phosphorous; and the other three were destroyed by combinations of flechettes, High Explosive, White Phosphorous, and High Explosive Antitank. The majority of the other tanks not destroyed or damaged by the Cavalry were turned over to the U.S. Air Force.


  1. ↑ The PT-76 cannot be truly classified as a "tank." It is better described as a lightly armored gun carriage. The Cavalry troops also sighted, but did not engage, T-34 tanks. In addition, there were reports (unconfirmed) from tactical air of an even heavier tank—the T-54.
  2. ↑ The following criteria were established by the 2d Battalion, 17 Cavalry to claim a tank destroyed or damaged. To classify a tank destroyed, the tank had to explode or burn; whereas a damaged tank was immobilized, parts were blown off and the tank was incapable of further movement without repair.
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