Introduction to the Bell OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, training, and light attack missions. The Kiowa has been in service with the US Army since the 1960s and has seen action in several conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. In this article, we will explore five interesting facts about the Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter.
Fact #1: Development and Design
The OH-58 Kiowa was developed by Bell Helicopter in the early 1960s as a replacement for the OH-13 Sioux and the OH-23 Raven helicopters. The Kiowa was designed to be a lightweight, single-engine helicopter with a single main rotor and a tail rotor. It has a crew of two, with the pilot sitting in the front seat and the observer or co-pilot/gunner sitting in the rear seat. The Kiowa has a length of 34.6 feet (10.5 meters) and a rotor diameter of 35.4 feet (10.8 meters).
Fact #2: Variants and Upgrades
Over the years, the OH-58 Kiowa has undergone several upgrades and modifications, resulting in various variants. Some of the notable variants include:
- OH-58A: The original production model, which first flew in 1966.
- OH-58C: An upgraded version with a more powerful engine and improved avionics.
- OH-58D: A night vision-capable version with a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) sensor.
- OH-58F: An upgraded version with a more powerful engine and improved avionics.
The US Army has also developed several specialized variants, including the TH-67 Creek, which is used for training, and the OH-58D(I), which is used for armed reconnaissance.
Fact #3: Armament and Equipment
The OH-58 Kiowa is equipped with a variety of armaments and equipment, including:
- M134 Minigun: A 7.62mm Gatling gun used for suppressive fire.
- M129 40mm Grenade Launcher: A grenade launcher used for area suppression.
- TOW Anti-Tank Missile: A anti-tank missile used for armored targets.
- FLIR Sensor: A forward-looking infrared sensor used for night vision and target detection.
The Kiowa can also carry a variety of sensors and equipment, including cameras, laser designators, and communication systems.
Fact #4: Operational History
The OH-58 Kiowa has seen action in several conflicts, including:
- Vietnam War: The Kiowa was first deployed in Vietnam in 1969 and was used for reconnaissance and attack missions.
- Gulf War: The Kiowa was used for armed reconnaissance and attack missions during the Gulf War.
- Iraq War: The Kiowa was used for armed reconnaissance and attack missions during the Iraq War.
The Kiowa has also been used for humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief and medical evacuation.
Fact #5: Retirement and Replacement
The OH-58 Kiowa has been gradually phased out of service with the US Army, with the last Kiowa retiring in 2017. The Kiowa has been replaced by the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the Bell UH-72 Lakota. However, the Kiowa remains in service with several foreign militaries, including the Australian Army and the Canadian Army.
🚁 Note: The OH-58 Kiowa has been a reliable and versatile helicopter, but it has also been criticized for its limited range and endurance.
In conclusion, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter has been a trusted workhorse for the US Army and other militaries for several decades. Its versatility, reliability, and firepower have made it a valuable asset in a variety of roles, from reconnaissance to attack missions.
What is the primary mission of the OH-58 Kiowa?
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The primary mission of the OH-58 Kiowa is to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
What is the maximum speed of the OH-58 Kiowa?
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The maximum speed of the OH-58 Kiowa is approximately 150 knots (278 km/h).
What is the range of the OH-58 Kiowa?
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The range of the OH-58 Kiowa is approximately 200 nautical miles (370 km).
