The introduction of transport helicopters into the military transportation picture presents an extremely confused situation at this time. On the one hand, we have recurring articles in our professional magazines intimating, if not actually predicting, that helicopters will entirely replace not only trucks but fixed wing aircraft, parachutes and almost every other means of transportation to our ground forces. At the same time, on the other hand, we have those who suggest that inasmuch as the trucks can usually do the job and roads have to be built and maintained in the combat zone in order to get tanks into combat, that the helicopter probably has no place at all in the logistical picture. The truth of the matter undoubtedly lies somewhere between these two extremes and there can be no question that, as it becomes available, and we become experienced in its employment, the helicopter will gravitate to its proper position in our military system. Headings include: helicopter performance; areas of helicopter employment; operation and control of helicopter units; quantitative analysis of requirements; helicopter industry; and a program for the future.

N16565.7 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.