Military Model Scene

Title: AH-1 Cobra Gunship vs NVA Armor
Author: Peter E. Davies
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-6174-0

Vietnam 1967-73, number 140 in the Duel series from Osprey. An 80-page soft-cover book, with artwork by both Gareth Hector and Jim Laurier.
An introduction to set the scene as usual for the Duel series, then a Chronology which actually stretches to 4 full pages in this one, covering a period from 1947 all the way through to 1973. Things move on with the Design & Development story of the Cobra, the first purpose built gunship helicopter. Some fascinating detail, and I didn't realise the prototype, the D209, actually featured retractable skids, though these were not used on production machines. Among the most striking features I recall from the first time I saw one, the narrow fuselage is just 36 inches wide! This is followed by Technical Specifications which not only details the armament options for the Cobra, but also the various AFVs used by the NVA in the final years of the Vietnam war. So the T-54 and the Chinese built version, the Type 59, along with the PT-76 and the Chinese version, the Type 63. AA weaponry includes the ZSU-57-2 and more. Then the Strategic Situation before moving on to a comparison of the Combatants, which includes training and tactics before getting accounts of some of the Combat situations, such as at Lam Son719, QuangTri, An Loc and more. It is all rounded off with some Statistics & Analysis and some notes on Aftermath. Everything is well illustrated throughout, with lots of archive photos, colour profiles artwork, maps, battle scenes and tactics diagrams.
All in all this is an interesting read, with lots of detail, and some reminders of the history which I recall hearing about at the time. Experiences include the introduction of the Soviet made SA-7 Strela missile, and the operation of the US 'Pink Teams', and how a pair of Cobras operated in company with an OH-6 Loach. I enjoyed reading this one and the illustrations, both the photos and the artwork are excellent in my opinion. Well worth adding to your bookshelf if you have an interest in the Vietnam War.
Thanks to Osprey for the review copy.

Robin