5 Facts About Bell Oh-58a Kiowa

The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor helicopters used for reconnaissance and observation. Here are five key facts about this iconic aircraft:

Design and Development

The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was designed in the 1960s as a replacement for the Bell H-13 Sioux and the Hiller OH-23 Raven. The first prototype, the YOH-4A, made its maiden flight in 1962. The aircraft was designed to be small, agile, and quiet, with a low profile to reduce its visibility in combat situations.

Key Features

The OH-58 Kiowa has a number of key features that made it an effective observation aircraft. These include:

A small size, with a length of 39.7 feet (12.1 meters) and a height of 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)
A lightweight design, with a maximum takeoff weight of 2,500 pounds (1,136 kilograms)
A single Lycoming T53-L-701 turboshaft engine, producing 420 horsepower (313 kilowatts)
A main rotor diameter of 35.4 feet (10.8 meters)
A skid-type landing gear

Operational History

The OH-58 Kiowa entered service with the US Army in 1967, and saw extensive use during the Vietnam War. The aircraft was used for reconnaissance, observation, and liaison duties, and was popular with pilots due to its agility and responsiveness.

In addition to its military service, the OH-58 Kiowa has also been used by a number of civilian agencies, including law enforcement and medical evacuation services.

Variants

Over the years, a number of variants of the OH-58 Kiowa have been developed. These include:

The OH-58A Kiowa, the initial production model
The OH-58B Kiowa, an upgraded version with improved avionics and a more powerful engine
The OH-58C Kiowa, a further upgraded version with improved sensors and communication systems
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, a heavily armed version used for attack and escort duties

Specifications

Here are some key specifications of the OH-58 Kiowa:

Crew: 2
Length: 39.7 feet (12.1 meters)
Height: 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)
Main rotor diameter: 35.4 feet (10.8 meters)
Maximum takeoff weight: 2,500 pounds (1,136 kilograms)
Powerplant: 1 x Lycoming T53-L-701 turboshaft engine, 420 horsepower (313 kilowatts)
Maximum speed: 130 knots (240 km/h)
Range: 135 nautical miles (250 km)

Legacy

The OH-58 Kiowa has had a significant impact on military aviation, with its design and capabilities influencing a number of other aircraft. The aircraft's use of a single turboshaft engine and a skid-type landing gear has made it a popular choice for a number of military and civilian agencies.

The OH-58 Kiowa has also played a significant role in a number of military conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

Gallery of OH-58 Kiowa Images: