5 Facts About Oh-58 Helicopter

The OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor helicopters used for observation, reconnaissance, and light attack missions. The aircraft has a rich history, and its development and deployment have been marked by several interesting facts. Here are five key facts about the OH-58 helicopter:

Firstly, the OH-58 Kiowa was originally designed as a civilian helicopter, the Bell 206A. The US Army later acquired the aircraft and modified it for military use, designating it as the OH-58 Kiowa. The OH-58A first entered service in 1969, and since then, it has undergone several upgrades, resulting in different variants such as the OH-58C, OH-58D, and OH-58F.

Design and Development

The OH-58 Kiowa is a compact, lightweight helicopter powered by a single Allison T63-A-700 turboshaft engine. It has a crew of two, a pilot and an observer, and is used for observation, reconnaissance, and light attack missions. The aircraft features a conventional tail rotor, skid-type landing gear, and a bubble canopy for improved visibility.

Operational History

The OH-58 Kiowa has seen extensive service in various military operations, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. The aircraft has also been used by other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Taiwan. In addition to its military roles, the OH-58 Kiowa has also been used for civilian purposes, such as law enforcement, medical evacuation, and search and rescue.

Capabilities and Variants

The OH-58 Kiowa has undergone several upgrades, resulting in different variants with improved capabilities. The OH-58C, for example, features a more powerful engine, improved avionics, and a ballistic protection system. The OH-58D, also known as the Kiowa Warrior, is a light attack variant equipped with a rocket pod, a.50-caliber machine gun, and a night vision system. The OH-58F is the latest variant, featuring improved avionics, a digital cockpit, and a more powerful engine.

Radar and Avionics

The OH-58 Kiowa is equipped with a range of radar and avionics systems, including the AN/APQ-65 radar system, which provides target detection and tracking capabilities. The aircraft also features a digital cockpit, a GPS navigation system, and a communication suite.

Operators and Retirement

The OH-58 Kiowa has been operated by several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan. The aircraft has also been used by various law enforcement agencies and civilian organizations. In 2017, the US Army announced the retirement of the OH-58 Kiowa, with the last aircraft being phased out in 2018.

Legacy and Replacement

The OH-58 Kiowa has played a significant role in various military operations, and its legacy will be remembered for years to come. The aircraft has been replaced by newer models, such as the Bell 407GX, which offers improved capabilities and performance. The Bell 407GX is a reconnaissance helicopter designed for military and law enforcement use, featuring advanced avionics, a digital cockpit, and a more powerful engine.

Gallery of OH-58 Kiowa Images