Classic Films

a kennedy

(29,616 posts) Mon Apr 30, 2012, 07:50 PM Apr 2012

Rescue Dawn???

Not a classic by any means....pilot shot down on a secret mission during Vietnam war starring Christian Bale, directed by Werner Herzog and based on a true story of Dieter Dengler. Does anyone know why he would be flying a prop plane instead of a fighter?? We just laughed at the whole idea of WWII planes being flown during the Vietnam war. Can anyone help?? Sorry to post here, there was no other area for just films. Thank you.

2 replies

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Rescue Dawn??? (Original Post) a kennedy Apr 2012 OP

Those were Douglas Skyraiders, also known as "Spads"... catnhatnh Apr 2012 #1

Thanks for this info.....we thought it was so bizarre the planes used in that scene. a kennedy May 2012 #2

catnhatnh

(8,976 posts)

1. Those were Douglas Skyraiders, also known as "Spads"...

Reply to a kennedy (Original post)

Mon Apr 30, 2012, 09:49 PM

Apr 2012

...used specifically for ground attack and rescue missions. Because of their (relative) fuel efficiency and lower speed they could loiter for several hours over a downed airman and protect him from capture till a much slower still helicopter could arrive for the rescue.

a kennedy

(29,616 posts)

2. Thanks for this info.....we thought it was so bizarre the planes used in that scene.