4400th Special Operations Squadron (Provisional) Project Credible Chase

In May 1971 the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, began work on a project to evaluate the potential use of armed light utility short takeoff and landing aircraft in Southeast Asia. The program, named Credible Chase, was designed to add mobility and firepower to the South Vietnamese Air Force in a relatively short time. The Fairchild AU-23A Peacemaker was selected to be tested. The combat evaluation, PAVE COIN, was done in June and July 1971. The 4400th SOS (P) was created to complete the operational test and evaluation of the Credible Chase aircraft. The 4400th recommended the aircraft not be used in combat without a major upgrade program. All AU-23A were then supplied to Thailand under the Military Assistance Program for use in border surveillance and counter-infiltration roles. US made; Thai examples exist as well.