Poster for Wings Over Vietnam: The Missions

2002 - 2004 2 seasons 14 eps Ended

Wings Over Vietnam: The Missions

2002 - 2004 2 seasons 14 eps

7.1

Season 2

No results found

Season 1

Season 2

45 min

S2 · E1 · Dec 31, 2004

The Gunship Episode 1

The conflict in Vietnam was often referred to as the Helicopter War. The helicopter played all sorts of roles during the Vietnam War, from transport and search-rescue to MEDEVAC and heavily armed gunships. Certainly, it was here that helicopters became most useful, but not only in what has previously been considered their only role as a transport vehicle. Before Vietnam, the helicopter was valued for its ability to evacuate wounded soldiers from trouble, but virtually ignored was its capabilities as an offensive weapon. The long war in Southeast Asia would see that change dramatically. Now they were developed into specialist fighting machines, carrying cannons and rockets.

45 min

S2 · E2 · Dec 31, 2004

The Cavalry Episode 2

One of the great battlefield innovations developed by the United States armed forces in its effort to defeat a skilled and often elusive enemy in Vietnam was air cavalry--light infantry deployed by helicopters. Always outnumbered, and fighting in a totally hostile environment, American soldiers had to rely on technology and new techniques to contain the enemy. The highly mobile helicopter troops who formed the Air Cavalry used quick-response techniques to counter the huge odds against which they fought daily. As a concept, air cavalry was innovative. As executed by air cavalry units, it was phenomenal, and the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam was the quintessential air cavalry organization. Its prominent and evolving role began in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, and one of its greatest achievements came at Khe Sanh in 1968.

45 min

S2 · E3 · Dec 31, 2004

Landing Zone Vietnam Episode 3

Meet the commanders of a true military legend and fight alongside the special breed of "madmen" who piloted the versatile olive drab chopper during the crucial battle in Landing Zone X-Ray. The UH-1 Huey, the most widely used military helicopter in the world, began to arrive in Vietnam in 1963. Before the conflict ended, more than 5,000 of these versatile machines were employed in Southeast Asia. The choppers were used for a variety of purposes, including MedEvac, command and control, air assault, transport of personnel and material, and as gun ships. This is an in-depth look at the role this helicopter played in Vietnam and how it came to symbolize the war itself. Meet the commanders of this military legend and hear gripping stories of the special breed of men who piloted Huey.

45 min

S2 · E4 · Dec 31, 2004

Hugging the Deck Episode 4

Among the first in combat in Vietnam, the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk flew more missions, and paid a higher price, than any other naval aircraft. It has been in service longer and seen more combat than any other fighter in America's arsenal. Like a super-charged sports car with wings, the Skyhawk endured a decade of fierce ground attack to become one America's longest-serving combat planes in operation today. In-between catapulting off the air craft carrier Oriskany and slamming down on its flight deck, Skyhawk pilots flew thousands of low-flying, ground-strike missions braving intense flak and enemy fire in support of beleaguered GIs. Get a first-hand aerial perspective on the Vietnam War from the fighter pilots, deck crews and commanders who were there. Experience dramatic tales of bravery and brutality from POWs, including retired admiral James Stockdale and U.S. Senator John McCain.

45 min

S2 · E5 · Dec 31, 2004

Wings Over Vietnam Special Episode 5

The Discovery Channel brings you a comprehensive look at the fierce air campaigns of the Vietnam Era. Experience dogfights between Russian supplied MIGs and the US's F-4 Phantom, hear secret military mission plans, and witness stunning war footage. Also included are interviews with the courageous pilots of the Skyhawks, F-105 Thunder Chiefs, giant B-52 bombers, AC-47s, and others!

5 episodes in Season 2

Some details come from TheTVDB.

During the course of the Southeast Asian war, the United States developed many new types of air tactics that had never previously been needed. New missions were devised, often under bizarre code-names. Some of these missions have gone on to become legends, while others have simply faded. What does remain are the men who flew the missions, the planes that were involved, and incredible stories of determination, triumph and tragedy. Wings Over Vietnam compares rare combat footage with first-hand accounts, to create a captivating portrait of these unique missions.

Documentary History

Where to watch

Not streaming anywhere

Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.

Your rating

Your review

Cast

1 person

David Scott

Host

Total runtime 10h 30m · Episode length 45 min · Type Miniseries

Show info

Premiered

October 21, 2002

Final episode

December 31, 2004

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Episode length

45 min

Total runtime

10h 30m

Original language

English

If you liked Wings Over Vietnam: The Missions

Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.

The Vietnam War

TV · 2017

The Seventies

TV · 2015

Combat Pilot

TV · 2004

Battle History of the U.S. Army

TV · 2002

First Flights with Neil Armstrong

TV · 1991

The Lafayette Escadrille: The American Volunteers Who Flew For France in World War One

TV · 2021

Some details come from TheTVDB.

You're offline

Recently viewed pages still work. Your changes save locally and sync when you're back.

Back online · syncing