PACV

The PACV is the term for the United States' Navy's Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle, commonly referred to as "PAC-V's", or Hovercrafts. The Navy's PACV was based on the British designed SK-5, adapted for American military use in 1965. Three were purchased by the U.S. navy for operations in the newly emerging Vietnam War. After a period of getting the Naval crews used to operating the PACV out of their base in Coronado California, adjustments were made through experience in the wakes off San Diego to the model that would later be employed by all hovercraft, such as changes to the hovercraft skirt. The PACVs were first deployed in 1966 to Vietnam. Often called Pac Vees, they were armed with a .50 Caliber machine gun mounted on a rotational platform in the front, and side mounted M60 machine gun's and often remote control M60's or grenade launchers in the back. In addition. the crew, and often Green berets and ARVN rangers riding on the side panels, had assorted small arms such as M16's, M79 grenade launchers, Rifles, .45 pistols, M60's, claymores, and grenades. During PACV's first tour in Vietnam some basic light armor was added to the hovercraft to give it some protection from enemy fire.
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Airport Name: Merle K.
Airport Location: n.a
IATA Code: CDV
ICAO Code: PACV