Bell OH-58 Kiowa

OH-58D

The OH-58D (Bell Model 406) was the result of the Army Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP).

An upgraded transmission and engine gave the aircraft the power it needed for [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] flight profiles, and a four-bladed main rotor made it much quieter than the two-bladed OH-58C.

The OH-58D introduced the distinctive Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS) above the rotor system, and a mixed glass
cockpit, with traditional instruments identified as "standby" for emergency use.

The Bell 406CS "Combat Scout" was based on the OH-58D (sometimes referred to as the MH-58D). Fifteen aircraft were sold to Saudi Arabia.

A roof-mounted Saab HeliTOW sight system was opted for in place of the MMS.

The 406CS also had detachable weapon hardpoints on each side.

The AH-58D was an OH-58D version operated by [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] (4th Squadron, 17th Cavalry) and modified with armament in support of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien].

The weapons and fire control systems would become the basis for the Kiowa Warrior.

AH-58D is not an official DOD aircraft designation, but is used by the Army in reference to these aircraft.

The Kiowa Warrior, sometimes referred to by its acronym KW, is the armed version of the OH-58D Kiowa.

The main difference that distinguishes the Kiowa Warrior from the original AHIP aircraft is a universal weapons pylon found mounted on both sides of the aircraft.

These pylons are capable of carrying combinations of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, air-to-air Stinger (ATAS) missiles, 7-shot 2.75 in (70 mm) Hydra-70 rocket pods, and an [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] .50 caliber machine gun.

The Kiowa Warrior upgrade also includes improvements in available power, navigation, communication and survivability, as well as modifications to improve the aircraft's deployability.