What Weapons Were Used in the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War was one of the most complex and brutal conflicts of the 20th century, lasting from 1959 to 1975. It was fought between the communist forces of North Vietnam, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and the government of South Vietnam and its main ally, the United States. The war saw the use of a wide range of weapons, from traditional firearms to advanced technologies. In this article, we will explore the weapons used during the Vietnam War.
Small Arms
Small arms were the most widely used weapons during the Vietnam War. Both the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) used a variety of rifles, machine guns, and pistols. Some of the most common small arms used during the war include:
- M16: The M16 was a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle used by the US military. It was designed to be more accurate and reliable than the M14, which was used during World War II and the Korean War.
- M14: The M14 was a select-fire rifle used by the US military during the early years of the Vietnam War. It was eventually replaced by the M16.
- M60: The M60 was a belt-fed machine gun used by the US military. It was designed to provide suppressive fire on enemy positions.
- RPG-7: The RPG-7 was a rocket-propelled grenade launcher used by the NVA and Viet Cong (VC). It was designed to penetrate armor and destroy fortified positions.
- Pistol: Both the NVA and ARVN used pistols, including the Tokarev TT-33 and the Colt.45.
Artillery and Mortars
Artillery and mortars were used extensively during the Vietnam War to provide indirect fire on enemy positions. Some of the most common artillery pieces used during the war include:
- 105mm Howitzer: The 105mm howitzer was a common artillery piece used by the US military. It was designed to fire high-explosive shells at enemy positions.
- 155mm Howitzer: The 155mm howitzer was a more powerful artillery piece used by the US military. It was designed to fire long-range shells at enemy positions.
- 81mm Mortar: The 81mm mortar was a common mortar used by both the US military and the NVA. It was designed to fire high-angle shots at enemy positions.
- 120mm Mortar: The 120mm mortar was a larger mortar used by the NVA. It was designed to fire long-range shots at enemy positions.
Aircraft and Helicopters
Aircraft and helicopters played a significant role in the Vietnam War, providing close air support to ground troops and conducting search and rescue missions. Some of the most common aircraft and helicopters used during the war include:
- F-4 Phantom: The F-4 Phantom was a multi-role fighter used by the US military. It was designed to provide close air support and conduct air-to-air combat.
- F-100 Super Sabre: The F-100 Super Sabre was a fighter-bomber used by the US military. It was designed to provide close air support and conduct air-to-air combat.
- UH-1 Iroquois: The UH-1 Iroquois was a utility helicopter used by the US military. It was designed to transport troops and supplies, as well as conduct medical evacuations.
- CH-47 Chinook: The CH-47 Chinook was a heavy-lift helicopter used by the US military. It was designed to transport heavy loads and supplies.
Anti-Tank Weapons
Anti-tank weapons were used extensively during the Vietnam War to engage enemy armor and fortifications. Some of the most common anti-tank weapons used during the war include:
- M72 LAW: The M72 LAW was a portable anti-tank weapon used by the US military. It was designed to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at enemy armor.
- M20 Super Bazooka: The M20 Super Bazooka was a portable anti-tank weapon used by the US military. It was designed to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at enemy armor.
- RPG-7: The RPG-7 was a rocket-propelled grenade launcher used by the NVA and VC. It was designed to penetrate armor and destroy fortified positions.
Missiles and Rockets
Missiles and rockets were used during the Vietnam War to attack enemy positions and infrastructure. Some of the most common missiles and rockets used during the war include:
- B-52: The B-52 Stratofortress was a strategic bomber used by the US military. It was designed to deliver high-altitude nuclear strikes, but it was also used to drop conventional bombs on enemy targets.
- AGM-12 Bullpup: The AGM-12 Bullpup was a rocket-powered missile used by the US military. It was designed to attack enemy aircraft and fortifications.
- SS-8 Saken: The SS-8 Saken was a Soviet-made surface-to-surface missile used by North Vietnam. It was designed to attack enemy naval vessels and infrastructure.
Table: Comparison of Main Weapons Used in the Vietnam War
| Weapon | Country of Origin | Weight (lbs) | Caliber (mm) | Range (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M16 | USA | 6.5 | 5.56 | 550 |
| M14 | USA | 10.3 | 7.62 | 500 |
| M60 | USA | 23.1 | 7.62 | 1,000 |
| RPG-7 | USSR | 13.6 | 40 | 100-1,000 |
| 105mm Howitzer | USA | 2,650 | 105 | 15,000 |
| 155mm Howitzer | USA | 3,900 | 155 | 25,000 |
| UH-1 Iroquois | USA | 9,500 | N/A | N/A |
| F-4 Phantom | USA | 32,500 | N/A | N/A |
| M72 LAW | USA | 5.5 | 66 | 100-1,000 |
Conclusion
The Vietnam War was a complex and brutal conflict that saw the use of a wide range of weapons. From small arms to artillery and missiles, the weapons used during the war were designed to inflict maximum damage on enemy forces. The US military and the NVA/VC both used a variety of weapons, including small arms, artillery, and missiles, to gain an advantage on the battlefield. This article has provided an overview of the weapons used during the Vietnam War, highlighting some of the most significant and influential weapons used during the conflict.
