Aircraft losses of the Vietnam War - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

There were aircraft losses during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...

. Hundreds of U.S. fixed-wing aircraft were lost to ground fire of antiaircraft artillery

Anti-aircraft warfare

NATO defines air defence as "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action." They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces...

(AAA), surface-to-air missile

Surface-to-air missile

A surface-to-air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles...

s (SAMs), and fighter

Fighter aircraft

A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...

interceptor

Interceptor aircraft

An interceptor aircraft is a type of fighter aircraft designed specifically to prevent missions of enemy aircraft, particularly bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Interceptors generally rely on high speed and powerful armament in order to complete their mission as quickly as possible and set up...

s (MiG

Mig

-Industry:*MiG, now Mikoyan, a Russian aircraft corporation, formerly the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau*Metal inert gas welding or MIG welding, a type of welding using an electric arc and a shielding gas-Business and finance:...

)s. The great majority of U.S. combat losses in all areas of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...

were to AAA. The Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...

also flew combat and airlift missions in South Vietnam, as did the Republic of Vietnam. Among fixed-wing aircraft, more F-4 Phantoms were lost than any other type in service with any nation.

United States Air Force

All told, the U.S. Air Force flew 5.25 million sorties over South Vietnam, North Vietnam,
northern and southern Laos, and Cambodia, losing 2,251 aircraft: 1,737 to hostile action, and 514 to operational causes. 110 of the losses were helicopters and the rest fixed-wing. A ratio of roughly 0.4 losses per 1,000 sorties compared favorably with a 2.0 rate in Korea and the 9.7 figure during World War II.

Sources for USAF figures:

USAF Operations Report, Nov. 30, 1973

Campbell, John M. and Hill, Michael. Roll Call: Thud. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1996. ISBN 0-7643-0062-8.

Hobson, Chris. Vietnam Air Losses, USAF, USN, USMC, Fixed-Wing Aircraft Losses in Southeast Asia 1961–1973. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2001. ISBN 1-85780-115-6.

USAF fixed-wing

A-1 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...

-- --191 total, 150 in combat

–First loss A-1E 52-132465 (1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th TG) shot down during the night of 28–29 August 1964 near Bien Hoa

Bien Hoa

Biên Hòa is a city in Dong Nai province, Vietnam, about east of Ho Chi Minh City , to which Bien Hoa is linked by Vietnam Highway 1.- Demographics :In 1989 the estimated population was over 300,000. In 2005, the population wss 541,495...

, SVN

–Final loss A-1H 52-139738 (1st Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing) which was shot down 28 September 1972 (pilot was rescued by an Air America helicopter).

A-7D Corsair II-- --6 total, 4 combat

–First loss 71–0310 (353d Tactical Fighter Squadron, 354th TFW) on 2 December 1972 shot down on a CSAR

Search and rescue

Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...

mission in Laos (Capt Anthony Shine KIA).

–71-0312 (353d TFS) mid-air collision with an FAC O-1 Bird Dog in Laos

Laos

Laos Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west...

on 24 December 1972, (Capt Charles Riess PoW)

-71-0316 (355th TFS) operational loss (non-combat) crash in Thailand

Thailand

Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...

on 11 January 1973 (Pilot Rescued)

-70-0949 (354th TFW) shot down Laos on 17 February 1973 (Maj J J Gallagher Rescued)

-71-0305 (3rd TFS, 388th TFW) shot down in Cambodia

Cambodia

Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...

on 4 May 1973 (1Lt T L Dickens Rescued)

-Final loss 70–0945 (354th TFW) shot down in Cambodia on 25 May 1973 (Capt Jeremiah Costello KIA)

A-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...

-- --22 total

–First loss B-26B 44-35530 (Detachment 2A, 1st ACG) shot down in IV CTZ on the night of 4–5 November 1962 killing the 3 crew.

–Final loss A-26A 64-17646 (609th SOS, 56th SOW) lost over Laos on the night of 7–8 July 1969 killing both crewmen.

A-37 Dragonfly
A-37 Dragonfly
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly, or Super Tweet, is a United States light attack aircraft developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer in the 1960s and 1970s...

-- --22 total

–First loss 1967; final loss 1972

AC-47 Spooky
AC-47 Spooky
The Douglas AC-47 Spooky was the first in a series of gunships developed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War...

-- --19 total, 12 in combat

–First loss 1965, final loss 1969

AC-119 Shadow/Stinger-- --6 total, 2 in combat

–First loss AC-119G 52-5907 (Det.1, 17th SOS, 14th SOW) which crashed on take-off from Tan Son Nhut, SVN on 11 October 1969 killing 6 of the 10 crewmen.

–Final loss 1971

AC-130 Spectre-- --6 total, all combat.

–First loss AC-130A 54-1629 (16th SOS, 8th TFW

8th Fighter Wing

The United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea and is assigned to Seventh Air Force...

) hit by 37mm AAA over Laos and crash-landed at Ubon RTAFB, 2 crewmen died (one died of injuries before reaching Ubon) but 11 others survived.

–Final loss 1972

B-52 Stratofortress
B-52 Stratofortress
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, who have continued to provide maintainence and upgrades to the aircraft in service...

-- --31 total, 17 in combat

-First losses were operational (non-combat) mid-air collision 2 B-52F 57-0047 and 57-0179 (441st Bomb Squadron, 320th Bomb Wing), 18 June 1965, South China Sea during air refueling orbit, 8 of 12 crewmen killed

-Final loss B-52D 55-0056 (307th Bomb Wing Provisional) to SAM 4 January 1973, crew rescued from Gulf of Tonkin

B-57 Canberra
B-57 Canberra
The Martin B-57 Canberra was a United States-built, twin jet engine light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, which entered service with the United States Air Force in 1953. The B-57 was initially a version of the English Electric Canberra built under license. However, the Glenn L...

-- --56 total, 38 in combat

-First loss 1964, final loss 1970

C-5A Galaxy-- --1 total, 0 in combat. Crashed while attempting emergency landing at Tan Son Nhut AB 4 April 1975, as part of Operation Babylift
Operation Babylift
Operation Babylift was the name given to the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War , from April 3–26, 1975...

. Five of the 8 US Military women killed during the Vietnam War, were aboard this airplane.

C-7 Caribou-- --19 total, 9 in combat

-First lost C-7B 62-4161 (459th Tactical Airlift Squadron

459th Airlift Squadron

The 459th Airlift Squadron is part of the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It operates UH-1 Iroquois and C-12J Huron aircraft providing aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue missions.-History:...

, 483d Tactical Airlift Wing) which was hit by a US 155mm shell on 3 August 1967 in SVN killing the 3 crewmen. Note: there were two fatal crashes during Operation Red Leaf transition training of USAF crews in Army CV-2's, on 4 and 28 October 1966.

-Final loss was C-7B 62-12584 (483d TAW) which crashed in SVN on 13 January 1971, all 4 crewmen survived.

C-47 Skytrain
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...

-- --21 total

-A C-47 was very first USAF aircraft lost in the SEA conflict, C-47B 44-76330 (315th Air Division) on TDY at Vientiane, Laos which was shot down by the Pathet Lao

Pathet Lao

The Pathet Lao was a communist political movement and organization in Laos, formed in the mid-20th century. The group was ultimately successful in assuming political power after the Laotian Civil War. The Pathet Lao were always closely associated with Vietnamese communists...

on 23 March 1961 killing 7 of the 8 crewmen. The sole survivor, US Army Maj. Lawrence Bailey was captured and held until August 1962.

-Final loss EC-47Q 43-48636 (361st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, 56th SOW) shot down in Laos on the night of 04/5 4–5 February 1973 killing all 8 crewmen.

C-123 Provider
C-123 Provider
The C-123 Provider was an American military transport aircraft designed by Chase Aircraft and subsequently built by Fairchild Aircraft for the United States Air Force...

-- --53 total, 21 in combat

-First loss was C-123B 56-4370 attached to the 464th TAW which came down on an Operation Ranch Hand

Operation Ranch Hand

Operation Ranch Hand was a U.S. Military operation during the Vietnam War, lasting from 1962 until 1971. It was part of the overall herbicidal warfare program during the war called "Operation Trail Dust"...

(defoliation) training flight between Bien Hoa and Vung Tau, SVN on 2 February 1962

-Final loss 1971

C-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...

-- --55 total, 34 in combat

-First loss was C-130A 57-0475 (817th Troop Carrier Squadron, 6315th Operations Group) on 24 April 1965, a Blind Bat flareship that crashed into high ground near Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base

Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base

Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. It is located in northeast Thailand, located approximately 157 miles northeast of Bangkok and about 5 miles south of Nakhon Ratchasima , the second largest city in Thailand.During the Vietnam War, Korat RTAFB was the...

, Thailand

Thailand

, attempting to land in bad weather with a heavy load, two engine failures, and low fuel, killing all six crewmen. This was the 14th recorded loss of a C-130 to all causes.

-Final loss C-130E 72-1297 (314th TAW) destroyed by rocket fire at Tan Son Nhut AB on 28 April 1975.

C-141 Starlifter
C-141 Starlifter
The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter was a military strategic airlifter in service with the Air Mobility Command of the United States Air Force...

-- --2 total, 0 combat

-C-141A 65-9407 (62d Military Airlift Wing) destroyed in a night runway collision with a USMC A-6 at Danang, SVN on 23 March 1967 killing 5 of the 6 crewmen.

-C-141A 66-0127 (4th Military Airlift Squadron, 62d MAW) crashed soon after take-off from Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay is a deep-water bay in Vietnam in the province of Khánh Hòa. It is located at an inlet of the South China Sea situated on the southeastern coast of Vietnam, between Phan Rang and Nha Trang, approximately 290 kilometers / 180 miles northeast of Hồ Chí Minh City / Saigon.Cam Ranh is...

, SVN on 13 April 1967 killing 6 of the 8 man crew.

E/RB-66 Destroyer --14 total

-First loss was RB-66B 53-0452 (Det 1, 41st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 6250th Combat Support Group) which crashed 22–23 October 1965 west of Pleiku

Pleiku

Pleiku is a town in central Vietnam, located in that nation's central highland region. It is the capital of the Gia Lai Province; it is inhabited primarily by the Bahnar and Jarai ethnic groups, sometimes known as the Montagnards or Degar....

, SVN killing the crew.

-Final loss EB-66B 42nd TEWS, 388th TFS lost to engine failure on Dec. 23, 1972 during Operation Linebacker II. 3 crewmen were KIA.

EC-121 BatCat
EC-121 Warning Star
The Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star was a United States Navy and United States Air Force airborne early warning radar surveillance aircraft. A military version of the Lockheed Constellation, it was designed to serve as an airborne early warning system to supplement the Distant Early Warning Line,...

-- --2 total, 0 combat

-EC-121R 67-24193 (554th Reconnaissance Squadron, 553d RW) crashed 25 April 1969 on take-off in a thunderstorm from Korat RTAFB, killing all 18 crewmen.

-EC-121R 67-21495 (554th RS) crashed on approach to Korat RTAFB on 6 September 1969, 4 of the 16 men were killed.

F-4 Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...

-- --445 total, 382 in combat

-First loss was operational (non-combat), F-4C 64-0674 (45TH TFS, 15th TFW) which ran out of fuel after strike in SVN on 9 June 1965; first combat loss F-4C 64-0685 (45th TFS, 15th TFW) shot down Ta Chan, NW NVN on 20 June 1965. 9 of the losses were parked aircraft struck by rockets.

-Final loss 1973

F-5 Freedom Fighter
F-5 Freedom Fighter
The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely-used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop...

-- --9 total

-First loss 1965, final loss 1967

F-100 Super Sabre
F-100 Super Sabre
The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...

-- --243 total, 198 in combat

-First loss 1964, final loss 1971

F-102 Delta Dagger
F-102 Delta Dagger
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets...

-- --14 total, 7 combat

-First loss 1964, final loss 1967. 4 of the combat losses were parked aircraft

F-104 Starfighter
F-104 Starfighter
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed for the United States Air Force by Lockheed. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969, and continued with Air National Guard units...

-- --14 total, 9 combat

-First loss 1965, final loss 1969

F-105D Thunderchief
F-105 Thunderchief
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force. The Mach 2 capable F-105 conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; it has the dubious distinction of being the only US aircraft to have been...

-- --335 total, 283 in combat

-First loss 62–4371 (36th TFS, 6441st TFW) written off from battle damage over Laos 14 August 1964, at Korat, Thailand

-Final loss 61–0153 (44th TFS, 355th TFW) shot down Laos 23 September 1970, pilot Capt. J. W. Newhouse rescued

F-105F/G Thunderchief: "Wild Weasel," "Ryan's Raiders," "Combat Martin"
F-105 Thunderchief
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force. The Mach 2 capable F-105 conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; it has the dubious distinction of being the only US aircraft to have been...

-- --47 total, 37 combat

-First loss EF-105F 63-8286 (13th TFS, 388th TFW) shot down by AAA RP-6 July 1966, Maj. Roosevelt Hestle and Capt. Charles Morgan KIA

-Last loss F-105G 63-8359 (Det.1 561st TFS, 388th TFW) shot down by SAM 16 November 1972, RP-3, crew rescued

F-111A "Aardvark"
General Dynamics F-111
The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the...

-- --11 total, 6 in combat

-First loss mission-related TFR failure, 66-0022 (428th TFS 474th TFW, Project Combat Lancer), 28 March 1968, Maj. H.E. Mccann and Capt. D.L. Graham MIA

-Final loss 67–0111 (474th TFW) mid-air collision over Cambodia, 16 June 1973, both crewmen rescued

HU-16 Albatross
HU-16 Albatross
The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large twin-radial engine amphibious flying boat that was utilized by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, primarily as a search and rescue and combat search and rescue aircraft...

-- --4 total, 2 combat

-51-5287 to unk cause 19 June 1965

-51-0058 to unk cause 3 July 1965

-51-0071 (33d ARRS) shot down by AAA 14 March 1966, two crewmen killed

-51-7145 (37th ARRS

37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron was a rescue squadron of the USAF active during the Vietnam War.-History:On 8 January 1966, the 37th ARRS was activated at Danang Air Base operating 5 HU-16s on loan from the 31st ARRS and the 33rd ARRS and with a Detachment at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force...

) disappeared 18 October 1966, 7 crewmen KIA-BNR

KB-50 Superfortress tanker
B-50 Superfortress
The Boeing B-50 Superfortress strategic bomber was a post-World War II revision of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, fitted with more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines, stronger structure, a taller fin, and other improvements. It was the last piston-engined bomber designed by Boeing for...

-- --1 total, 0 combat

-Only loss KB-50J 48-0065 (421st Air Refueling Squadron Detachment) at Takhli RTAFB which crashed in Thailand on 14 October 1964, all 6 crewmen survived.

KC-135 Stratotanker
KC-135 Stratotanker
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker...

-- --3 total, 0 combat

-Two crashes in 1968, one 1969, all operational (non-combat)

O-1 Bird Dog-- --172 total, 122 in combat

-First loss 1963, final loss 1972

O-2 Skymaster
O-2 Skymaster
The O-2 Skymaster is a military version of the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster utilized as an observation and forward air control aircraft...

-- --104 total, 82 in combat

-First loss 1967, final loss 1972

OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...

-- --63 total, 47 in combat

First loss 1968, final loss 1973

QU-22 Pave Eagle-- --8 lost, 7 in combat

-First loss YQU-22A 68-10531 (554th RS, 553d RW) crashed due to engine failure on 11 June 1969

-Final loss QU-22B 70-1546 (554th RS) on 25 August 1972, pilot killed.

RF-4C Phantom II-- --83 total, 76 in combat

-First loss 1966, final loss 1972

RF-101 Voodoo-- --39 total, 33 in combat

-First loss 1964, final loss 1968

SR-71A Blackbird
SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the...

-- --2 total, 0 combat

-64-17969 (Det OL-8, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing) suffered engine failure over Thailand on 10 May 1970, both crewmen ejected safely

-64-17978 (Det OL-KA, 9th SRW) crashed on landing at Kadena, Okinawa

Kadena, Okinawa

is a town located in Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan.As of 2005, the town has an estimated population of 13,624 and a density of 915.9 persons per km². The total area is 15.04 km². Approximately 85% of the town is controlled by the US Government including Kadena Air Base, the second-largest...

on 20 July 1972, both crewmen survived

T-28 Trojan
T-28 Trojan
The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan is a piston-engined military trainer aircraft used by the United States Air Force and United States Navy beginning in the 1950s...

-- --23 total

-First loss 1962, final loss 1968

U-2C "Dragon Lady"
Lockheed U-2
The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency . It provides day and night, very high-altitude , all-weather intelligence gathering...

-- --1 total, 0 combat

-Only loss 56–6690 (349th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron 100th SRW) which crashed on 8 October 1966 near Bien Hoa, SVN, Maj. Leo J Stewart ejected and was rescued.

U-3B Blue Canoe-- --1 total, 1 combat

-Only loss 60–6058, destroyed on the ground during a VC attack on Tan Son Nhut, SVN on 14 June 1968.

U-6A Beaver-- --1 total, 0 combat

Only loss 51-15565 (432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing) which crashed in Thailand 28 December 1966, both crewmen survived.

U-10D Courier-- --1 total, 1 combat

-63-13102 (5th SOS, 14th SOW) shot down 14 August 1969 near Bien Hoa killing 1/Lt Roger Brown.

USAF rotary-wing

CH/HH-3 Jolly Green Giant-- --34 total, 25 in combat

-First loss CH-3E 63-9685 (38th ARRS

38th Rescue Squadron

The 38th Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...

) to AAA North Vietnam on 6 November 1965, three crewmen POW, one rescued

-Last loss HH-3E 65-12785 (37th ARRS

37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

) 21 November 1970, combat-assaulted inside Son Tay POW camp (Operation Ivory Coast

Operation Ivory Coast

Operation Ivory Coast was a failed rescue mission conducted in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War by United States Special Operations Forces and other elements of the U.S. Military....

) and deliberately destroyed by U.S. Special Forces

HH-43B Pedro-- --13 lost, 8 in combat

-First loss 63–9713 (38th ARRS

38th Rescue Squadron

The 38th Rescue Squadron is part of the 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operates various fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft conducting search and rescue missions.-Mission:...

) damaged by fire 2 June 1965, crew rescued and aircraft destroyed to prevent its capture

-Final loss 60–0282 (38th ARRS) crashed Cam Ranh Bay 7 August 1969, crew rescued

CH/HH-53 Super Jolly-- --27 total, 17 in combat

-First loss HH-53C 66-14430 (40th ARRS

40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron was a helicopter rescue squadron of the USAF active during the Vietnam War.-History:...

) in Laos, damaged by gunfire 18 January 1969 crew rescued and aircraft destroyed by bombing to prevent capture

-Last losses four CH-53's (68-10925, −10926, −10927, 70–1627 all from 21st SOS

21st Special Operations Squadron

The 21st Special Operations Squadron is a unit within the 352d Special Operations Group , United States Air Force, United States European Command, and was based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, eastern England.-Mission:...

, 56th SOW) to AAA on 15 May 1975, Koh Tang, Kampuchea, (Mayaguez incident

Mayagüez incident

The Mayaguez incident between the Khmer Rouge and the United States from May 12–15, 1975, was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. The names of the Americans killed, as well as those of three Marines who were left behind on the island of Koh Tang after the battle and who were subsequently...

final aircraft losses of Vietnam War)

UH-1 Iroquois
UH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...

-- --36 total

United States Navy

Twenty-one aircraft carriers conducted 86 war cruises and operated 9,178 total days on the line in the Gulf of Tonkin

Gulf of Tonkin

The Gulf of Tonkin is an arm of the South China Sea, lying off the coast of northeastern Vietnam.-Etymology:The name Tonkin, written "東京" in Hán tự and Đông Kinh in romanised Vietnamese, means "Eastern Capital", and is the former toponym for Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam...

. 530 aircraft were lost in combat and 329 more to operational causes. Resulting in the deaths of 377 naval aviators, with 64 airmen reported missing and 179 taken prisoner-of-war.

Sources for USN carrier-based figures:

Francillon, René. Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club: US Carrier Operations off Vietnam, Naval Institute Press (1988) ISBN 0-87021-696-1

USN fixed-wing carrier-based

A-1 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...

--65 total, 48 in combat

-First loss A-1H 139760 (VA-145, USS Constellation

USS Constellation (CV-64)

USS Constellation , a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the "new constellation of stars" on the flag of the United States and the only naval vessel ever authorized to display red, white, and blue designation numbers...

), to AAA 5 August 1964, Lt.j.g. R. C. Sather KIA (Body recovered in 1985)

-Final loss A-1H 134499 (VA-25, USS Coral Sea

USS Coral Sea (CV-43)

USS Coral Sea , a , was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of the Coral Sea. She earned the affectionate nickname "Ageless Warrior" through her long career...

), to MIG 14 February 1968, Lt.j.g. J. P. Dunn MIA

A-3 Skywarrior
A-3 Skywarrior
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...

--7 total, 2 in combat

-First loss A-3B 142250 (VAH-4, USS Hancock

USS Hancock (CV-19)

USS Hancock was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress and first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...

), operational loss (non-combat) 22 December 1964, 3 rescued, 1 killed

-Final loss A-3B 144627 (VAH-4, USS Kitty Hawk

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...

), AAA 8 March 1967, 3 crewmen KIA

A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...

--282 total, 195 in combat

-First loss A-4C 149578 (VA-144, USS Constellation

USS Constellation (CV-64)

), AAA 5 August 1964, Lt.j.g. Everett Alvarez POW (second longest held prisoner)

-Final loss A-4F 155021 (VA-212, USS Hancock

USS Hancock (CV-19)

), AAA 6 September 1972, pilot rescued

A-6 Intruder
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...

--62 total, 51 in combat

-First loss A-6A 151584 (VA-75, USS Independence

USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...

), own bomb detonation Laos 14 July 1965, crew rescued

-Final loss A-6A 157007 (VA-35, USS America

USS America (CV-66)

The USS America was one of four Kitty Hawk-class super carriers built for the United States Navy in the 1960s. Commissioned in 1965, she spent most of her career in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, but did make three Pacific deployments serving in the Vietnam War. She also served in operations...

), AAA South Vietnam 24 January 1973, crew rescued

A-7 Corsair --100 total, 55 in combat

-First loss A-7A 153239 (VA-147, USS Ranger

USS Ranger (CV-61)

The seventh USS Ranger is one of four Forrestal-class supercarriers built for the US Navy in the 1950s. Commissioned in 1957, she served extensively in the Pacific, especially the Vietnam War, for which she earned 13 battle stars. Near the end of her career she also served in the Indian Ocean and...

), SAM North Vietnam 22 December 1967, LCdr J.M. Hickerson POW

-Final loss A-7E 156837 (VA-147, USS Constellation

USS Constellation (CV-64)

), operational loss (non-combat) 29 January 1973, pilot missing

C-1 Trader
C-1 Trader
|-See also:-External links:...

--4 total, 0 in combat

-C-1A 146047 (VR-21, USS Independence

USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...

), non-combat 30 August 1965, 7 passengers and crew rescued

-C-1A 136784 (VR-21, USS Independence

USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...

), operational loss (non-combat) 12 September 1965, 9 passengers and crew rescued, 1 killed

-C-1A 146054 (Carrier Air Wing 11, Kitty Hawk

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...

), operational loss (non-combat) 16 January 1968, 7 passengers and crew rescued, 3 killed

C-2 Greyhound --1 total, 0 in combat

-Sole loss C-2A 155120 (VRC-50, USS Ranger

USS Ranger (CV-61)

), Gulf of Tonkin crash 15 December 1970, 9 passengers and crew killed

E-1 Tracer --3 total, 0 in combat

-First loss E-1B 148918 (VAW-12, USS Independence

USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...

), operational loss (non-combat) 22 September 1965, crew rescued

-Final loss E-1B 148132 (VAW-111, USS Oriskany), operational loss (non-combat) 8 October 1967, 5 crewmen killed

E-2 Hawkeye
E-2 Hawkeye
The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the...

--2 total, 0 in combat

-E-2A 151711 (VAW-116, USS Coral Sea

USS Coral Sea (CV-43)

USS Coral Sea , a , was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of the Coral Sea. She earned the affectionate nickname "Ageless Warrior" through her long career...

), 8 April 1970, 5 crewmen killed

-E-2B 151719 (VAW-115, USS Midway

USS Midway (CV-41)

USS Midway was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class, and the first to be commissioned after the end of World War II...

), 11 June 1971, 5 crewmen missing

EKA-3 Skywarrior
A-3 Skywarrior
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...

-- --2 lost, 0 in combat

-EKA-3B 142400 (VAQ-132, USS America

USS America (CV-66)

), operational loss (non-combat) 4 July 1970, 3 rescued

-EKA-3B 142634 (VAQ-130, USS Ranger

USS Ranger (CV-61)

), operational loss (non-combat) 21 January 1973, 3 crewmen killed

EA-1 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...

--4 total, 1 in combat

-First loss EA-1E 139603 (VAW-111, USS Yorktown

USS Yorktown (CV-10)

USS Yorktown is one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is named after the Battle of Yorktown of the American Revolutionary War, and is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name...

), operational loss (non-combat) 15 April 1965, crew rescued

-Final loss EA-1F 132543 (VAW-13, USS Franklin D Roosevelt), operational loss (non-combat) 10 September 1966, crew rescued

F-4 Phantom --138 total, 75 in combat

-First loss F-4B 151412 (VA-142, USS Constellation

USS Constellation (CV-64)

), operational loss (non-combat) 13 November 1964, crew rescued

-Last combat loss (also last USN combat loss of war) F-4J 155768 (VF-143, USS Enterprise

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

USS Enterprise , formerly CVA-65, is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth US naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed the "Big E". At , she is the longest naval vessel in the world...

), AAA South Vietnam 27 January 1973, Cdr H.H. Hall and Lcdr P.A. Keintzer POW

-Final loss F-4J 158361 (VF-21, USS Ranger

USS Ranger (CV-61)

), operational loss (non-combat) 29 January 1973, crew killed

F-8 Crusader
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass...

--118 total, 57 in combat

-First loss F-8D (VF-111, USS Kitty Hawk

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...

), to AAA over Laos 7 June 1964, LCdr C.D. Lynn rescued

-Final loss (operational) F-8J 150887 (VF-191, USS Oriskany) 26 November 1972, pilot rescued

KA-3 Skywarrior
A-3 Skywarrior
The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior was originally designed as a strategic bomber for the United States Navy and was among the longest serving carrier-based jet aircraft in history. It entered service in the mid-1950s and was retired in 1991...

- --2 lost, 0 in combat

-KA-3B 142658 (VAH-4, USS Oriskany), operational loss (non-combat) 28 July 1967, 1 crewmen rescued, 2 killed

-KA-3B 138943 (VAH-10, USS Coral Sea

USS Coral Sea (CV-43)

USS Coral Sea , a , was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of the Coral Sea. She earned the affectionate nickname "Ageless Warrior" through her long career...

), operational loss (non-combat) 17 February 1969, 3 crewmen killed

RA-5 Vigilante
A-5 Vigilante
The North American A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-based supersonic bomber designed for the United States Navy. Its service in the nuclear strike role to replace the A-3 Skywarrior was very short; however, as the RA-5C, it saw extensive service during the Vietnam War in the tactical strike...

--27 total, 18 in combat

-First loss RA-5C 149306 (RVAH-5, USS Ranger

USS Ranger (CV-61)

), operational loss (non-combat) 9 December 1965, 2 crewmen killed

-Final loss RA-5C 156633 (RVAH-13, USS Enterprise

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

), to MIG North Vietnam 28 December 1972, Lcdr A.H. Agnew POW, Lt. M.F. Haifley KIA

RF-8 Crusader
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass...

--29 total, 19 in combat

-First loss RF-8A (Det. C VFP-63, USS Kitty Hawk

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...

), 6 June 1964, to AAA in Laos, Lt. C. F. Klusmann POW

-Final loss RF-8G 144608 (VFP-63, USS Oriskany), operational loss (non-combat) 13 December 1972, pilot rescued

S-2 Tracker
S-2 Tracker
The Grumman S-2 Tracker was the first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare aircraft to enter service with the US Navy. The Tracker was of conventional design with twin engines, a high wing and tricycle undercarriage. The type was exported to a number of navies around the world...

--4 total, 2 in combat

-First loss S-2D 149252 (VS-35, USS Hornet

USS Hornet (CV-12)

USS Hornet is a United States Navy aircraft carrier of the Essex class. Construction started in August 1942; she was originally named , but was renamed in honor of the , which was lost in October 1942, becoming the eighth ship to bear the name.Hornet was commissioned in November 1943, and after...

), unk combat loss 21 January 1966, 4 crewmen MIA

-S-2E 152351 (VS-21, USS Kearsarge

USS Kearsarge (CV-33)

USS Kearsarge was one of 24 s completed during or shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the third US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for a Civil War-era steam sloop. Kearsarge was commissioned in March 1946...

), combat loss 11 October 1966, 4 crewmen KIA

-S-2E (VS-23, USS Yorktown

USS Yorktown (CV-10)

), unk combat loss 17 March 1968, 4 crewmen KIA

-Final loss US-2C 133371 (VC-5, USS Hornet

USS Hornet (CV-12)

), operational loss (non-combat) 27 September 1967, crew rescued

USN fixed-wing shore-based

C-47 Skytrain
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...

(1)

OV-10 Bronco (7)

P-2 Neptune
P-2 Neptune
The Lockheed P-2 Neptune was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and being replaced in turn with the Lockheed P-3 Orion...

(4)

P-3 Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...

(2)

USN rotary-wing

SH-2/UH-2 Sea Sprite
SH-2 Seasprite
The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite is a ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types,...

-- --12 lost, 0 in combat

-First loss UH-2A 149751 (HC-1, USS Hancock

USS Hancock (CV-19)

), operational loss (non-combat) 10 January 1966, 4 crewmen rescued

-Final loss UH-2C 149767 (HC-1, USS Bon Homme Richard), operational loss (non-combat) 10 August 1969, 4 crewmen rescued

SH-3 Sea King
H-3 Sea King
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engined anti-submarine warfare helicopter. It served with the United States Navy and other forces, and continues to serve in many countries around the world. The Sea King has been built under license in Italy and Japan, and in the United Kingdom as the...

-- --20 lost, 8 in combat

-First loss SH-3A 148993 (HS-2, USS Hornet

USS Hornet (CV-12)

), AAA North Vietnam 13 November 1965, 4 crewmen rescued

-Final loss SH-3D 156494 (HS-7, USS Saratoga

USS Saratoga (CV-60)

USS Saratoga , was one of four Forrestal- class supercarriers built for the US Navy in the 1950s. Saratoga was the sixth US Navy ship, and the second aircraft carrier, to be named for the Battle of Saratoga in the American Revolutionary War.Commissioned in 1956, she spent most of her career in...

), operational loss (non-combat) 31 December 1972, crew rescued

United States Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft lost in combat included 193 fixed-wing and 270 rotary wing aircraft.

USMC fixed-wing

A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...

--81 lost
A-6 Intruder
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...

--25 lost
C-117 Skytrain --2 lost
EA-6A Electric Intruder --2 lost
EF-10 Skynight
F3D Skyknight
The Douglas F3D Skyknight, was a United States twin-engine, midwing jet fighter aircraft manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California. The F3D was designed as a carrier-based all-weather aircraft. It saw service with the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps...

--5 lost
F-4 Phantom --95 lost, 72 combat
F-8 Crusader
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass...

--21 lost
KC-130 Hercules --4 lost
O-1 Bird Dog --7 lost
OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...

--10 lost
RF-4 Phantom --4 lost
RF-8 Crusader
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass...

--1 lost
TA-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...

--10 lost
TF-9 Cougar
F9F Cougar
The Grumman F9F/F-9 Cougar was an aircraft carrier-based fighter aircraft for the United States Navy. Based on the earlier Grumman F9F Panther, the Cougar replaced the Panther's straight wing with a more modern swept wing...

--1 lost

Source for F-4 losses is Phantom with U.S. Marine Corps (Joe Baugher), others are unsourced

USMC rotary-wing

AH-1 Cobra
AH-1 Cobra
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois...

– 7
HUS-1 – 75
UH-1E Huey
UH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...

– 69
CH-37 Mojave
CH-37 Mojave
|-See also:-References:* Harding, Stephen. U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947. Shrewsbury, UK:Airlife Publishing, 1990. ISBN 1-85310-102-8.* Swanborough, F.G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft since 1909. London:Putnam, 1963....

– 1
CH-46D Sea Knight
CH-46 Sea Knight
The Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and...

– 109
CH-53 Sea Stallion
CH-53 Sea Stallion
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is also in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico...

– 9

USA rotary-wing

5,086

1 205 was destroyed (Air America)

270 AH-1G were destroyed

1 BELL was destroyed

14 CH-21C were destroyed

2 CH-34 were destroyed

1 CH-37B was destroyed

1 CH-37C was destroyed

83 CH-47A were destroyed

20 CH-47B were destroyed

29 CH-47C were destroyed

9 CH-54A were destroyed

3 H-13D

H-13 Sioux

The H-13 Sioux was a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter. Westland Aircraft manufactured the Sioux under license for the British military as the Sioux AH.1 and HT.2.-Development:...

were destroyed

2 H-37A were destroyed

147 OH-13S were destroyed

93 OH-23G were destroyed

45 OH-58A were destroyed

842 OH-6A were destroyed

60 UH-1 were destroyed

1 UH-1A was destroyed

357 UH-1B were destroyed

365 UH-1C were destroyed

886 UH-1D were destroyed

90 UH-1E were destroyed

18 UH-1F were destroyed

1313 UH-1H were destroyed

176 UH-34D were destroyed

Republic of Vietnam aircraft

A-1 Skyraider

A-37A/B Dragonfly

AC-47

AC-119G/K Stinger – served Mar'72 –

B-57 Canberra

C-7A Caribou – served late'71 – mid'74 (grounded due to budget cuts)

C-47 Skytrain

C-119 Flying Boxcar – served Mar'68 –

C-123K Provider – served May'73 – 1973 only (replaced by C-130A) 10 lost, 4 to ground fire

C-130A Hercules – 2 combat losses

F-5A/B/C Freedom Fighter

F-5E Tiger II

U/H-1D/H Iroquois (helicopter)

C/UH-34C/D/G Choctaw (helicopter)

CH-47A Chinook (helicopter)

O-1 Bird Dog

O-2A Skymaster – served 1970 – mid'74 (grounded due to budget cuts)

T-28 Trojan

T-37 Tweety Bird (trainer)

T-41D Mescalero (trainer)

U-6A Beaver

U-17A/B Skywagon

VNAF a/c details sourced from "Flying Dragon – The South Vietnamese Air Force" Robert C. Milikesh, Schiffer Military History , 2005

Fixed wing

C-7 Caribou --3 total, 1 in combat

All from No. 35 Squadron RAAF

No. 35 Squadron RAAF

No. 35 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force transport unit. First formed in 1942, No. 35 Squadron saw action in World War II and the Vietnam War.-History:...

-No 293 was destroyed by mortar fire while taxiing at That Son (near the Cambodian border) on 29 March 1970.

English Electric Canberra
English Electric Canberra
The English Electric Canberra is a first-generation jet-powered light bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. The Canberra could fly at a higher altitude than any other bomber through the 1950s and set a world altitude record of 70,310 ft in 1957...

--2 total, 2 in combat

Both from No. 2 Squadron RAAF

No. 2 Squadron RAAF

No. 2 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron. From its formation in 1916, it has operated a variety of aircraft types including fighters, bombers, and Airborne Early Warning & Control.-World War I:No...

-First loss Serial No. A84-231 disappeared on 3 November 1970 on a night bombing mission in the northern 1st Corps Tactical Zone region of South Vietnam

South Vietnam

South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...

after dropping its bombs near Da Nang

Da Nang

Đà Nẵng , occasionally Danang, is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Han River. It is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam; its well-sheltered, easily accessible port and its location on the path of...

. Pilot Officer Robert Charles Carver (24) and Flying Officer Michael Patrick John Herbert (24), were both MIA until 30 July 2009 when their remains were positively identified.

-Final loss on 14 March 1971 shot down by a SAM. Wing Commander F.J.L. Downing and Flight Lieutenant A.J. Pinches were both rescued.

Fixed-wing losses

Claimed by US (air to air combat only)

Antonov An-2
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed in the USSR in 1946...

4
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 is a high-subsonic fighter aircraft produced in the USSR from 1952 and operated by numerous air forces in many variants. Most MiG-17 variants cannot carry air-to-air missiles, but shot down many aircraft with its cannons...

110
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19 is a Soviet second-generation, single-seat, twin jet-engined fighter aircraft. It was the first Soviet production aircraft capable of supersonic speeds in level flight. A comparable U.S...

10
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...

90

Claimed by VPAF: 146 MiG aircraft lost through all causes, including 131 in air combat

Fixed-wing losses (air to air combat only)

MiG-17 Fresco 3 thought to be shot down

Sources

http://home.comcast.net/~anneled/usloss.html US Air-to-Air Losses in the Vietnam War
http://home.comcast.net/~anneled/usvictor.html US Air-to-Air Victories in the Vietnam War

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