Revealing the OH-58D Kiowa: Unlocking the Adaptive рoteпtіаɩ of a Lightweight Observation Helicopter

Dec 13, 2023

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Service: U.S. Army Armament: Air-to-air Stinger; .50 caliber machine gun; HYDRA 70 rockets; HELLFIRE missiles Crew: 2 Max Speed: 128 mph

Range: 299 miles

The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior performs armed reconnaissance, security, target acquisition and designation, command and control, light attack, and defensive air combat missions to support combat and contingency operations. It serves as a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters in roles such as scouts in air cavalry troops and light attack companies, as well as the OH-58A and C Kiowas in air cavalry troops.

A single-engine, four-bladed helicopter equipped with advanced avionics, navigation, communication, and integrated weapons and cockpit systems. The mast-mounted sight (MMS) incorporates a thermal imaging system, low-light television, laser rangefinder/designator, and an optical boresight system. These systems empower the Kiowa Warrior to operate seamlessly in both day and night conditions, allowing for effective target acquisition and engagement at stand-off ranges and adverse weather conditions.

The Kiowa Warrior boasts a highly accurate navigation system that facilitates precise target location, digitally shareable with other aircraft or artillery through its advanced digital communication system. Battlefield imagery can be transmitted in real-time, providing near-real-time situational awareness to command and control elements. The Laser Designator allows for autonomous designation for the Laser HELLFIRE or remote designation for other laser-guided precision weapons.

Equipped with two universal quick-change weapons pylons, each pylon can be armed with two HELLFIRE missiles, seven HYDRA 70 rockets, two air-to-air Stinger missiles, or a .50 caliber fixed forward machine gun. The armament systems combine to deliver anti-armor, anti-personnel, and anti-aircraft capabilities at stand-off ranges.

The Kiowa Warrior is rapidly deployable by air and can be fully operational within minutes of arrival. Two Kiowa aircraft can be transported in a C-130 aircraft. For air transport, the vertical tail fins, main rotor blades, mast-mounted sight, IFF antenna, and lower wire cutter are removed, while the landing gear can be kept in the down position to reduce height.

Although the Kiowa Warrior’s fielding is complete, the army is currently implementing a series of safety and performance modifications to ensure the aircraft’s safety and mission effectiveness until its retirement.

The mast-mounted sight enables the Kiowa Warrior to engage in combat both day and night at the maximum range of its weapons systems, with minimal exposure. The aircraft remains concealed during autonomous engagements, making it considerably more survivable than gunships with pose-mounted sensors.