Gunship downed

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32880, 1 April 1972, Page 17

Gunship downed

(N.Z P A.-Reuter—Copyright) SAIGON, March 31. An American ACI3O gunship was shot down over Laos late last night, the second this week, but the entire 15 crewmen parachuted safely and were rescued this morning after a night in the jungle, the United States Command reported. The 14 crewmen of the first four-engine aircraft downed on Wednesday are still listed as missing. The gunships are converted turbo-prop Hercules transporters Specially fitted with machine-guns capable of firing 6000 rounds a minute. and secret radar gear. The first ACI3O shot down was hit by a Russianbuilt North Vietnamese missile south-west of the ruins of Tchepone, on the Ho Chi Minh Trail —the biggest American air loss since a helicopter crashed near Da Nang last November and killed 34.

The American Command i now sets total fixed-wing aircraft losses over Laos in the war at 84. but the figure is likely to be officially updated today. Liberation Radio said that the Pathet Lao forces had so far shot down 2332 United States aircraft over Laos in the war. Carnaby Street more London’s famous “mod” shopping street, Carnaby Street, will soon be closed to traffic. The home of the fashion revolution will be-' come a pedestrian mall for a trial period of six months from April 24, and if the trial is successful, it will then be closed permanently to traffic. A Greater London Council spokesman said today that without traffic, the intema-tionally-famous tourist street would be more pleasant and safer for shoppers and visitors —London, March 28.