Helicopters may not be as sleek and fast as airplanes, but they can do things that an airplane can't. They can hover in midair, fly sideways or backwards, maneuver in tight places, and take off and land vertically without a runway. Since a helicopter can land on a rooftop or take off from a ship deck, it can be a lifesaver. It can rescue people from a burning building, a shipwreck, or a cliff. It can lift heavy loads and carry people and supplies wherever they're needed. The helicopter has also given military forces an edge, from the Korean War to Desert Storm.