The Kiowa Helicopter is a Modern War Machine Aircraft

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The armed OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter, in service with the United States Army, is suppled and built by Bell Helicopter Textron of Fort Worth, Texas. About 375 of the kiowa helicopter are in service. It is a single engine, double bladed armed reconnaissance helicopter and has been deployed in support of US armed forces around the world.

The primary mission of the kiowa helicopter is related to the scout attack role. It can also be equipped to carry out transport and utility roles using equipment kits installed externally on existing hard points. A cargo carrying hook is rated to carry loads up to 2,000 pounds. The kiowa helicopter can also be used for emergency casualty evacuation. The kiowa helicopter can carry and drop off up to six troops for critical point security missions. This is a very flexible aircraft and can perform many missions with great accuracy.

The Kiowa Warrior will be replaced in the US Army service by the next generation Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). The contract for the ARH, a military version of the Bell 407, was awarded to Bell Helicopter in July 2005. These new helicopters (some 368) are to be delivered between 2008 and 2013 to the US Army.

The Kiowa helicopter was the first US Army helicopter to have an all-glass cockpit. The cockpit is built and supplied by Sperry Flight Systems and is equipped with a multiple target tracking/moving target indicator. The Aviation Night Vision system display and helmet mounted display allows pilots of the kiowa helicopter to have information right in front of their eyes. A video recorder stores television and thermal imagery from the mission and allows playback in the cockpit.

The Kiowa helicopter is designed to carry two Hellfire missiles, seven Hydra 70 rockets, two air to air Stinger missiles or one .50 calibre fixed forward machine gun. The mast mounted sight from Boeing, enables the Kiowa helicopter to operate by day and night to engage the enemy at maximum range of all the weapon systems and minimize the exposure of the helicopter to danger. All of this equipment will be enhanced with the new model and new technology changes making the kiowa helicopter a true force in the air for the US Army.

In addition to all of these features the Kiowa helicopter has the latest in navigation and communication systems. It is truly a moder war machine in every sense of the word. The engine on the helicopter is a Rolls Royce and has been upgraded to provide high performance in high temperatures and extreme climates.

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