The Kiowa Warrior helicopter, also known as the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, is a reconnaissance and attack helicopter used by the United States Army. The aircraft is a variant of the OH-58 Kiowa, a single-engine, single-rotor helicopter that has been in service since the 1960s. The Kiowa Warrior is equipped with advanced sensors, avionics, and armament, making it a versatile and effective platform for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack.
Development and Design
The Kiowa Warrior was developed in the 1980s as part of the Army’s Advanced Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP). The program aimed to upgrade the existing OH-58A and OH-58C Kiowa helicopters with advanced avionics, sensors, and armament. The resulting aircraft, designated as the OH-58D, featured a new cockpit design, advanced sensors, and a weapon system. The Kiowa Warrior first entered service in 1991 and has since undergone several upgrades and modernization programs.
Key Features and Capabilities
The Kiowa Warrior is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and avionics, including a mast-mounted sight (MMS) that houses a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light television (LLTV) camera, and a laser rangefinder/designator. The aircraft also features a digital cockpit with a glass cockpit display system, which provides the pilot with real-time information on the aircraft’s status, navigation, and targeting data. The Kiowa Warrior is armed with a .50-caliber machine gun and can also carry Hellfire missiles and 2.75-inch rockets.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 42.4 feet (12.9 meters) |
| Rotor Diameter | 35.4 feet (10.8 meters) |
| Height | 13.1 feet (4 meters) |
| Empty Weight | 4,490 pounds (2,038 kilograms) |
| Gross Weight | 5,500 pounds (2,495 kilograms) |
| Top Speed | 147 knots (270 kilometers per hour) |
| Cruise Speed | 120 knots (222 kilometers per hour) |
| Range | 175 nautical miles (324 kilometers) |
Operational History
The Kiowa Warrior has seen extensive service in a variety of combat and humanitarian missions, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The aircraft has also been used for disaster relief and search and rescue missions. The Kiowa Warrior has proven itself to be a reliable and versatile platform, with a high degree of maneuverability and a low probability of intercept (LPI) radar system that makes it difficult to detect.
Upgrades and Modernization
The Kiowa Warrior has undergone several upgrades and modernization programs over the years, including the OH-58D Block II upgrade, which added new avionics and sensor systems, and the Kiowa Warrior Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS) Block II upgrade, which improved the aircraft’s targeting and surveillance capabilities. The Army has also planned for future upgrades, including the integration of new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced communication systems.
The Kiowa Warrior has been used by several countries, including the United States, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. The aircraft has also been used by various military units, including the US Army, US Navy, and US Air Force. The Kiowa Warrior has a reputation for being a reliable and effective platform, with a high degree of mission readiness and a low maintenance requirement.
What is the primary mission of the Kiowa Warrior helicopter?
+The primary mission of the Kiowa Warrior helicopter is to provide reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities to ground units, as well as to conduct attack missions against enemy forces.
What are the key features of the Kiowa Warrior’s sensor system?
+The Kiowa Warrior’s sensor system includes a mast-mounted sight (MMS) that houses a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light television (LLTV) camera, and a laser rangefinder/designator.
What is the Kiowa Warrior’s armament capability?
+The Kiowa Warrior is armed with a .50-caliber machine gun and can also carry Hellfire missiles and 2.75-inch rockets.
