The nature of combat operations in Vietnam demanded extensive use of military and army aviation. To enable rapid construction of airstrips in difficult terrain, U.S. Army engineering units employed various types of portable airfield surfacing.
Among these were the M8A1 steel landing mats, which saw widespread use during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These mats were installed by U.S. Army engineer units and could be laid either in staggered formation or in straight rows, allowing for the construction of airfields of various sizes.
Each mat measured 3,660 x 560 mm and featured a rigid, corrugated surface that effectively drained rainwater. This type of surfacing was most commonly used by Army aviation units to accommodate combat helicopters, light attack aircraft, and observation planes.