Versatile Light Observation Helicopter: The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

Maneuverer: Bell Helicopter

Service: US Army
Armament: Air-to-Air Stinger, .50 caliber machine gun, HYDRA 70 rockets, HELLFIRE missiles
Crew: 2
Max Speed: 128 mph

Range: 299 miles

The OH-58 Kiowa warrior conquers armed reconnaissance, security, target acquisition and designation, command and control, light attack, and deep-penetration combat missions in support of combat and contingency operations. It replaces the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters (those functioning as scouts in cavalry troops and light attack companies) and OH-58A and C Kiowas in air cavalry troops.

A single-engine, four-bladed helicopter with advanced avionics, navigation, communication, and weapon systems. The mast-mounted sight (MMS) harnesses thermal imaging systems, low-light television, laser rangefinder/designator, and an optical bore sight system. These systems enable the Kiowa Warrior to operate by day and night and allow target acquisition and engagement at stand-off ranges and in adverse conditions.

The Kiowa Warrior’s highly accurate navigation system provides precise target location that can be sent digitally to other aircrews or artillery elements. Battlefield imagery can be transmitted to provide near real-time situational awareness to command-and-control elements. The Laser Designator can provide an out-of-cockpit laser designation capability.

The Kiowa Warrior is equipped with two universal quick-change weapons pylons. Each pylon can be armed with two HELLFIRE missiles, seven HYDRA 70 rockets, two air-to-air Stinger missiles, or one .50 caliber fixed forward machine gun. The armament systems combine to provide precision anti-armor, anti-personnel, and anti-air capabilities at standoff ranges and in adverse conditions.

The Kiowa Warrior is rapidly deployable by C-130 aircraft, two Kiowa Warrior aircraft can be transported in a C-130. For air transportation the vertical tail fin pivots to become parallel with the tail boom and the main rotor blades and the horizontal stabilizer are folded.

Although Kiowa Warrior fielding is complete, the army is currently installing a series of safety and performance modifications to keep the aircraft safe and mission-effective until it is replaced. The mast-mounted sight remains combat-relevant due to its ability to defeat targets employing adaptive camouflage and masking techniques. The aircraft remanufacture program extends the Kiowa Warrior’s life beyond 2025. The airframes are stripped to the bare metal, inspected and reconditioned to a like-new condition.

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