Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle (PACV Hovercraft)

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This is a 1/64 (scalable to other scales) scale model of the Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle (PACV), also known as the Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) in Army and Coast Guard service, was a United States Navy and Army hovercraft used as a patrol boat in marshy and riverine areas during the Vietnam War between 1966 and 1970. Six hovercraft were built, three for the Army and three for the Navy. The military developed the PACV because its lack of draft meant that it could operate unimpeded in the shallow waters widespread in South Vietnam, most notably in the Mekong Delta and Plain of Reeds. The PACV was also found to be valuable due to its unusually high speed of 60 knots (110 km/h; 69 mph), faster than other watercraft in the conflict. However, it faced major drawbacks, including its high cost of $1 million (equivalent to 13 Patrol Boat, Rivers) and unreliability. During the conflict, two of the Army hovercraft were destroyed by the Viet Cong. The PACVs in Vietnam were considered "unsuccessful" in evaluations and were withdrawn in 1970. Following their service in Vietnam, the Navy PACVs returned to the United States where they were used by the Coast Guard, where another sank in an accident. The PACV's high speed of 60 knots made it a valuable asset for patrolling marshy and riverine areas during the Vietnam War. Its lack of draft allowed it to operate unimpeded in shallow waters, making it ideal for use in the Mekong Delta and Plain of Reeds. Despite its high cost of $1 million, equivalent to 13 Patrol Boat, Rivers, the PACV was found to be valuable due to its speed and maneuverability. However, the PACVs faced major drawbacks, including unreliability and a high risk of being destroyed by enemy forces. Two Army hovercraft were destroyed by the Viet Cong during the conflict, and the PACVs in Vietnam were considered "unsuccessful" in evaluations. The Navy PACVs returned to the United States after their service in Vietnam, where they were used by the Coast Guard until another sank in an accident.