The AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter undoubtedly became one of the symbols of the Vietnam War. Created as a specialized attack helicopter, it began combat operations in the spring of 1967 and immediately demonstrated its high combat capabilities. Equipped with powerful weaponry, the helicopter could engage various types of ground targets using its six-barrel Minigun, 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, and rocket pods and gun containers mounted on pylons. For direct ground support, combat helicopters were often based at airfields as close as possible to the combat zone. To create these airfields, U.S. Army engineering units used M8A1 steel plates for ground covering. The plates were connected either in a checkerboard pattern or in rows, allowing the construction of both small individual pads and large airfields.
