Raven Forward Air Controllers
The Raven Forward Air Controllers, also known as The Ravens, were fighter pilots used as forward air controllers (FACs) in a covert operation in conjunction with the US Central Intelligence Agency in Laos during America's Vietnam War. The Ravens pinpointed targets for most of the air strikes against communist Pathet Lao and People's Army of Vietnam infiltrators in support of the Laotian Hmong guerrilla army.
Ravens with a T-28D Trojan at Long Tieng, Laos, 1970.
Butterfly FACs with a Pilatus Porter in 1966.
A Raven FAC at Pakse, Laos, in 1973.
Forward air control is the provision of guidance to close air support (CAS) aircraft intended to ensure that their attack hits the intended target and does not injure friendly troops. This task is carried out by a forward air controller (FAC).
RAF Regiment Forward Air Controllers from the Air Land Integration Cell, based at RAF Coningsby, guide a Typhoon from 6 Squadron onto their target at the Cape Wrath practice range in Scotland.
British Mobile Fighter Controllers operating in North Africa during World War II
L-19/O-1 Bird Dog, used by Forward Air Controllers during the Vietnam War.
A U.S. Army Bell OH-58A-BF Kiowa (s/n 68-16687) in flight, source: Vietnam Studies - Airmobility 1961-1971
