NKP Aircraft

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These aircraft are the types that were at NKP while I was there. There were many others through the life of the base. These only represent my experiences there.

The C-123 "Provider"


The C-123 Provider - a twin engine propeller driven aircraft that had jet pods mounted next to the propeller engines to assist take off. It was used to drop flares during night operations. The flares were dropped via parachute, and provided an eerie landscape as they floated down. It was also used to spray the Agent Orange defoliant.

The link below will take you to The Aviation Zone, a great source of information about cargo Aircraft. The photo shows C-123K (54-0658) operated by the AF Reserve. It was taken at Pease AFB, NH - 20 Aug 72 by Tom Hildreth. Thanks, Tom!.

Go to the The Aviation Zone C-123 Fact Sheet
Go to the USAF Museum C-123 Page
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The QU-22 "Bonanza"


Originally intended as an unmanned aircraft to fly recon missions over the Ho Chi Minh trail, the QU-22 was flown manned out of NKP. It collected data from sensors dropped in the jungles, and relayed the information back to base.

Photo courtesy FAS.

The USAF Museum QU-22 Page

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The H-3 & H-53
"Jolly Green Giants"


HH-3
HH-3 Jolly Green Giant
CH-53
CH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant



These helicopters were the mainstay of the Air Force Search & Rescue efforts in Southeast Asia. They, and their crews, saved hundreds of lives in the 10 years we were there. The SAR forces had one of the most dangerous missions. Many of their crewmembers were honored for their valor, and some did not return home.

The Air Force Museum does not have a H-53 photo page. However, the H-3 link is below.

Photos believed to be in the public domain.

USAF Museum H-3 Page

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