Air America Movie Planes: A Look At The Iconic Aircraft Source Bing.com
Air America was a 1990 action-comedy movie starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. The film told the story of two pilots working for the CIA-sponsored Air America, a cargo and passenger airline operating in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The movie depicted the pilots as heroes, and featured some of the most iconic planes of the era.
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a Swiss-made single-engine turboprop aircraft, first flown in 1959 and produced until 2020. It is a rugged and reliable aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on short airstrips, and is popular for cargo and passenger transport in remote areas. The Pilatus PC-6 Porter was one of the most widely used aircraft in Air America’s fleet, and was featured prominently in the movie.
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, more commonly known as the “Huey,” is a single-engine multi-purpose helicopter. First flown in 1956, the Huey is one of the most iconic aircraft of the Vietnam War, used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and search-and-rescue. In the movie, Air America pilots use the Huey to rescue a group of trapped soldiers in Laos.
The Fairchild C-123 Provider
The Fairchild C-123 Provider is a twin-engine transport aircraft, first flown in 1955 and used extensively by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. The Provider was used for cargo and passenger transport in remote areas, and was capable of short takeoffs and landings in rugged terrain. The C-123 is featured prominently in Air America, as the pilots use it to transport cargo and passengers.
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft, first flown in 1954 and still in production today. The C-130 is one of the most iconic and widely used military transport aircraft in the world, capable of carrying large payloads and landing on short airstrips. The Hercules is featured in Air America, as the pilots use one to transport a large shipment of supplies.
The North American A-1 Skyraider
The North American A-1 Skyraider is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft, first flown in 1945 and used extensively during the Vietnam War. The Skyraider was known for its ruggedness and reliability, and was often used to provide close air support for ground troops. In Air America, Mel Gibson’s character flies a Skyraider on a mission to destroy a bridge in North Vietnam.
The Bell CH-3E Sea King
The Bell CH-3E Sea King is a twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter, first flown in 1958 and used extensively by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. The CH-3E was used to transport personnel and cargo, as well as perform search-and-rescue operations. In Air America, the Sea King is used to transport a group of soldiers to safety.
The Convair CV-240/340
The Convair CV-240/340 is a twin-engine passenger aircraft, first flown in 1947 and used extensively by airlines around the world. In Air America, the CV-240/340 is used to transport passengers, as well as clandestinely transport arms and supplies to CIA operatives in North Vietnam.
The Douglas A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader is a twin-engine light bomber, first flown in 1942 and used extensively during World War II and the Vietnam War. The Invader was known for its rugged reliability and versatility, and was used for ground attack, close air support, and night interdiction. In Air America, the A-26 is featured in a dramatic night mission to destroy a Hanoi ammunition depot.
Conclusion
Air America was a 1990 action-comedy movie that featured some of the most iconic aircraft of the era. From the rugged Pilatus PC-6 Porter to the versatile Douglas A-26 Invader, these aircraft are a reminder of the heroism and courage of the pilots who flew them during the Vietnam War. The movie serves as a tribute to these brave men and women, and the planes they flew.
