Australia's Ingenuity in Vietnam | Huey pilot Geoff Vidal | Royal Australian Navy

In this clip from our interview, Geoff talks about the ingenuity of the Australian forces in Vietnam.
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Geoff notes that the Australian armed forces were capable of using the limited resources they had at hand to generate what they needed. An iconic example of this is the Bushranger Gunship, created by the Huey flight crews from 9 Squadron by trading drinks, hats, and other such things in exchange for old American miniguns, rocket pods, and wiring systems. The Americans were shocked at the creativity, since most US airmen would be sent specifically engineered aircraft from the States, rather than welding up designs themselves. The Bushrangers became an essential tool for 9 Squadron in supporting ground units.
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[@audioworkshop1]

Great story mate! I was an electronics instructor at Aberdeen Md for aircraft armament repair, we trained crews from all over the world including Australia, I really loved these guys they were a cut above the average draftee here in the states and he's right about them being innovative and resourceful. we will always be grateful for their sacrifices in VietNam and would love to hear more of their stories... Cheers!

[@Gav671]

My father in-law flew with 9 squadron RAAF Vietnam. Crew chief, door gunner. 2 tours. Great man who now has been dealt the Alzheimer's curse. Bless you all who served.

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

I was stationed with the 135th Assault helicopter company right after the Australians went home. This was the only helicopter company in Viet Nam that were a combination of Australians & US Army pilots & crews. Motto was EMU that stood for Experimantal Miliary Unit. Heard they were excellent flyers and like to stay up drinking . They surely got the bloody job done .

[@James-kv6kb]

Great video and so nice to hear from the Australian's which we don't do when it's an American production. they seem to not want to admit that we were even there

[@Pe5jJ9]

Love the reference to Aussie ingenuity. It's a dying art.

[@Kingmick58]

Tops matey. thank you.

[@newton18311]

That's a great tradition, Acquiring goods , Reliving them of capture.

[@DavidVining1]

I logged 774 hours in 7 months. 12 hour days were normal

[@nzmarkb8713]

12 hrs, a long day🤦‍♂️ Try 2 weeks in the J

[@tonydoggett7627]

Hard to find a reference. But I have been told the Australian Huey helicopters put out more power due to the engine intake screens making non-laminar flow and somehow increasing the power. The Americans followed the modification. 🦘🇦🇺

[@raafdocumentaries]

Very interesting. Not sure of any reference to that either but hopefully a few techs will see this and chip in.