Kiowa Warrior OH-58D

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)