Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. OV-1/AC-119 Hunter-Killer Team

摘要

Hunter-Killer operations were but a logical extension of the resourceful thinking behind the development of gunships as a solution to some of the tactical problems of the unique war in Southeast Asia. It is possible to view the teaming of the AC-119K, 'Stinger', and the OV-1, 'Mohawk', in complementary roles as a significant effort at increasing the effectiveness of less than ideal resources. Understanding of the origin of this operational expedience rests with the historical development of the gunship itself. The history of the gunship in Southeast Asia is a well documented, continuing effort of Project CHECO. The term, 'Hunter-Killer', is not completely accurate, since there was never a formal program. However the term was commonly used in message traffic, and has been used in this report to avoid confusion. The designations Hunter-Killer I and II are inventions of the author referring to two separated periods of interservice cooperation, one in 1970 and the other in 1971. This report will explore the background of Hunter-Killer, relate the results of operations, and finally, attempt to point out some of the less obvious factors influencing the outcome of the project. Many questions arose during the course of the study. Can Hunter-Killer be judged an overall success, and is the idea worth pursuing in a more direct fashion. If the operation did fall short of success, what factors contributed to its failure. In any case, has the concept received an objective evaluation, or is such an evaluation even possible. Finally, what could be done to improve the effectiveness of future operations of this type.