During the course of the Southeast Asian war, the United States developed many new types of air tactics that had never previously been needed. Invariably putting existing technology through radical redevelopment, new missions were devised, often under bizarre code-names. The Gunship The conflict in Vietnam was often referred to as the Helicopter War. Certainly, it was here that helicopters became most useful, but not only in what had previously been considered their only role as a transport vehicle. Now they were developed into specialist fighting machines, carrying cannons and rockets. The Cavalry Always outnumbered, and fighting in a totally hostile environment, American soldiers had to rely on technology and new techniques to contain the enemy. The highly mobile helicopter troops who formed the Air Cavalry used quick-response techniques to counter the huge odds against which they fought daily.