YouTube - OH-58 Kiowa
Specifications |
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Primary Function: Crew: Engine: Power: Length: Height: Rotor Diameter: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Fuel: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Climb Rate: Ceiling: Range: First Flight: Year Deployed: |
recon/attack two Allison T703AD-700A 650 shp 41 ft. 2 in. 12 ft. 10 in. 35 ft. 3,290 lbs. 5,500 lbs. 110 US gals. 92 mph 144 mph 1,615 fpm 20,500 feet 345 miles 12/11/62 1969 |

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.
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