MISSION: The Kiowa Warrior fills the armed scout role
for attack
helicopter and air cavalry units.
CHARACTERISTICS: The Kiowa Warrior currently is the
only practical
armed reconnaissance aircraft in the Army inventory until RAH-66
fieldings
begin early in the next decade. The OH-58D performs reconnaissance,
security,
command and control, target acquisition/designation, and defensive
air combat
missions. The Kiowa Warrior adds armed reconnaissance, light attack,
and
Multipurpose Light Helicopter (MPLH = rapid deployment, troop lift,
cargo, and
Medevac) to the basic OH-58D Kiowa mission capabilities. The OH-58D
has a
Mast-Mounted Sight that houses a Thermal-Imaging System, Low-Light
Television,
and a Laser Rangefinder/Designator. A highly accurate navigation
system permits
precise target location that can be handed off to other engagement
systems via
the Airborne Target Handover System. The Laser Designator can provide
autonomous designation for the laser HELLFIRE or for other
laser-guided
precision weapons. Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) provides security
against threat
aircraft. The armed retrofit program began in FY 91 and provides
Air-to-Ground
weapons and other improvements to previously produced OH-58Ds.
Max gross weight: 5,500 lb
Max speed: 118 kt--clean; 113 kt--armed
Crew: 2
Armament: ATAS, .50 caliber machine gun, HYDRA 70 (2.75
in) rockets (7-shot
pod), HELLFIRE missiles choices; one system per side
FOREIGN COUNTERPART: Germany: BO-105
France: Gazelle, Alloutte
Russia: HINDs, HIPs, Hoplites
PROGRAM STATUS: The OH-58 Kiowa is in the 12th year of
production.
Kiowas began retrofit/remanufacture in FY93 for the Armed Kiowa
Warrior
version. There have been 315 aircraft accepted through August 1994.
Aircraft
deployments include the training bases at Fort Rucker and Fort
Eustis, and
operational units in CONUS, USAREUR, and Korea. The Procurement
Objective is
currently 383, with a total Army requirement of 507 aircraft.
Deliveries will
end in September 1997. Armed retrofit is scheduled to conclude in
FY98.
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES: 38 aircraft will be retrofitted
to Kiowa
Warrior.
17 aircraft will be remanufactured to Kiowa Warrior.
PRIME CONTRACTOR: Bell Helicopter - Textron Inc. (Ft.
Worth, TX)
