OH-58 Kiowa

The OH-58 Kiowa, produced by Bell Helicopter, and called “Warrior”, was the first U.S. military helicopter with an all glass cockpit. The Oh-58 Kiowa has two-place pilot seating, and two place rear seating. The controls for the left seat are removable in order to seat a passenger in front.

While serving in Vietnam, the Oh-58 Kiowa was armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun remotely operated by the pilot.

The Oh-58 Kiowa model D features an upgraded engine and transmission, plus a new 4-blade main rotor that enables quieter operation.

The Oh-58 Kiowa has a sight mounted on the mast at the top of the rotor system. The entire system is kept stabilized by the helicopter main gyro. This provides a base for a weapons range finder that uses lasers for pinpoint accuracy. Also located in the mast is an infrared imaging system.

With its latest avionics, the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior is able to perform its missions with all weather capabilities.

OH-58 Kiowa helicopters were deployed in the Vietnam War, Afghanistan and in Iraq. They are currently operational in many countries around the world.

Milestones:

Oct. 1961 – The U.S. Army proposed a Light Observation Helicopter that eventually would be the OH-58 Kiowa.

Nov. 1961 – Bell proposed their Model 206 (YHO-4A).

1962 – The U.S. Army evaluated five Bell models.

Dec. 1962 – The U.S. Army rejected Bell’s proposal due to engine problems.

Jan. 1966 – The civilian Model 206A flew for the first time.

Feb.1967 – The U.S. Army once again asked for proposals under the Light Observation Helicopter program when other contractors couldn’t meet their manufacturing performance obligations. Bell responded.

1968 – Bell was awarded a contract.

1969 – The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior military version was ready for deployment.

May 2019 – The Greek Army receives a total of 70 OH-58 Kiowa helicopters purchased from the U.S. Army reserves at a cost of US$44.15 million.

A total of over 2,200 OH-58 Kiowa helicopters of all types have been manufactured to date.