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For many the typical image of the Vietnam War is Apocalypse Now-style attacks and heavy use of helicopters especially the UH-1 Iroquois. Now of course we know that the war was not fought entirely with helicopters but you have to admit they had a tremendous impact on the war.
So I wonder: What if? (assuming all other things remain the same) the helicopter was never invented in time for the Vietnam War, or if they were in very early development (pre-M*A*S*H* style helicopters). The US obviously would have fought very differently, but might the US have actually done better if the war was fought conventionally instead of relying so much on isolated hardpoints supplied by helo?
And if so what sort of tech might the US have developed to improve jungle fighting and mobility? Maybe more advanced STOL aircraft?
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