Page 37 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

The Air Commandos had Cessna 0-1 Birddogs and 0-2 Skymasters used by Forward Air Controllers (FAC) to orchestrate bombing runs and close air support. These heroes flew their tiny airplanes over friendly forces and enemy territory carrying only a few white phosphorous rockets to mark targets and direct available airstrikes and search and rescue operations.
One of the truly unique aircraft employed by the Air Commandos was the U-10 Helio Courier. This amazing airplane had incredibly short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities that allowed it to get into and out of really tight, unimproved dirt strips or fields. Able to take off and land in just a few hundred feet or less, the Helio Courier was a crucial asset to support Special Forces at primitive camps and facilities throughout Vietnam.
USAF Air Commando Forward Air Controllers in 0-2 Skymasters and 0-1 Birddogs. Heroes that hunted the enemy and orchestrated close air support and bombing attacks.
USAF U-10 Helio Courier
An amazing short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft that could get into and out of tight places and unimproved landing
strips and fields, it was used by Air Commandos for a variety of missions including personnel transport, light cargo, leaflet drops and forward air control (FAC) duty.
SUMMER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 37