Editing Bell OH-58 Kiowa (section)

==Variants==
===OH-58A===
[[File:Oh58-004.jpg|thumb|right|An OH-58 Kiowa]]

The ''OH-58A Kiowa'' is a four-place observation helicopter. It has two-place pilot seating, although the controls in the left seat are designed to be removed to carry a passenger up front. During its Vietnam development, it was fitted with the [[Minigun|M134 Minigun]], a 7.62&nbsp;mm electrically operated machine gun.

The [[Australian Army]] leased eight OH-58As in 1971 in Vietnam for eight months.<ref name="161rf">{{cite web |title= History of Bell OH58-A Kiowa Helicopter |url= http://www.161recceflt.org.au/UnitAircraft/Kiowa/history_of_bell_oh58.htm |website= 161 Possums formerly 161 Recce Association |access-date= 8 August 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010302151730/http://www.161recceflt.org.au/UnitAircraft/Kiowa/history_of_bell_oh58.htm |archive-date= 2 March 2001}}</ref><ref name="ADF">{{cite web |title= Army A17 & RAN N17 Bell 206B-1/OH-58A & CAC CA-32 Kiowa |url= http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a17.htm |website= Australian & New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials & History |access-date= 8 August 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160819231724/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a17.htm |archive-date= 19 August 2016 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The Australian Government procured the OH-58A for the Australian Army and [[Royal Australian Navy]] as the ''CAC CA-32''.<ref name="ADF" /><ref name="RAAF" /> Licensed produced in Australia by [[Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation]], the CA-32 was the equivalent of the 206B-1 (uprated engine and longer rotor blades). The first twelve of 56 were built in the U.S. then partially disassembled and shipped to Australia, where they were reassembled.<ref name="161rf" /> Helicopters in the naval fleet were retired in 2000.<ref name="161rf" />

A total of 74 OH-58As were delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces as ''COH-58A'' and later redesignated ''CH-136 Kiowa''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/historical/kiowalst_e.asp |title= Bell CH-136 Kiowa |date= 15 April 2004 |publisher= Air Force Public Affairs, Department of National Defence |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040505052337/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/historical/kiowalst_e.asp |archive-date= 5 May 2004}}</ref> As many as 12 surplus Kiowas were sold to the Dominican Republic Air Force, and others sold privately in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/771/ |title= CH-136 Kiowa in Canadian Armed Forces |work= helis.com |access-date= 11 December 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161220121922/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/771/ |archive-date= 20 December 2016 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

In 1978, OH-58As began to be converted to the same engine and dynamic components as the OH-58C.<ref name="cmh-1978">{{cite web |url= http://www.army.mil/CMH/books/DAHSUM/1978/ch10.htm |title= Department of the Army Historical Summary, 1978 |publisher= United States Army Center of Military History |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040908141656/http://www.army.mil/cmh/books/DAHSUM/1978/ch10.htm |archive-date= 8 September 2004}}</ref> In 1992, 76 OH-58A were modified with another engine upgrade, a [[thermal imaging]] system, a communications package for law enforcement, enhanced navigational equipment and high skid gear as part of the Army National Guard's (ARNG) Counter-Drug RAID program. The U.S. Army retired its last OH-58A in November 2017.<ref name="theredstonerocket.com">{{Cite web |url= https://www.theredstonerocket.com/military_scene/article_2c96db4c-befe-11e7-8d65-6bca558698bd.html |title= Last Kiowa Warrior retires into law enforcement |first= Kari |last= Hawkins |publisher= AWKINS Aviation and Missile Command Public Affairs |website= The Redstone Rocket |date= November 2017 |access-date= 2 July 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190702140010/https://www.theredstonerocket.com/military_scene/article_2c96db4c-befe-11e7-8d65-6bca558698bd.html |archive-date= 2 July 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref>

===OH-58B===
[[File:OH-58B Austria (25026599986).jpg|thumb|An OH-58B of the Austrian Air Combat Force]]
The ''OH-58B'' was an export version for the [[Austrian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/oh-58b.htm |title= OH-58B Kiowa |publisher= GlobalSecurity.org |access-date= 26 September 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061002003154/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/oh-58b.htm |archive-date= 2 October 2006 |url-status= live}}</ref> Austria plans to replace the OH-58B by the end of 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-29 |title=Leonardo AW-169: Österreich kauft weitere 18 Hubschrauber in Italien |url=https://www.kleinezeitung.at/oesterreich/6221579/Leonardo-AW169_Oesterreich-kauft-weitere-18-Hubschrauber-in-Italien |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=www.kleinezeitung.at |language=de}}</ref>

===OH-58C===
[[File:Ntsp-oh58-N170FR-070205-01cr.jpg|thumb|left|OH-58C of the [[National Test Pilot School]]. Note the flat windscreen and IR exhaust suppressors.]]

Equipped with a more robust engine, the ''OH-58C'' was supposed to solve issues regarding the Kiowa's power. In addition to the improved engine, it had unique IR suppression systems mounted on its exhaust. Early OH-58Cs had flat-panel windscreens as an attempt to reduce glint from the sun, which could reveal its location to enemies. The windscreens had a negative effect of limiting the crew's forward view, a previous strength of the original design.

The aircraft was also equipped with a larger instrument panel, roughly one–third bigger than the OH-58A panel, which held larger flight instruments. The panel was also equipped with [[Night vision device|Night Vision Goggle]] (NVG) compatible cockpit lighting.<ref name="58C cockpit">{{cite web |url= http://www.flightresearch.com/html/aircraft/oh58.shtml |title= Bell OH-58C Kiowa |publisher= Flight Research, Inc. |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060522201749/http://www.flightresearch.com/html/aircraft/oh58.shtml |archive-date= 22 May 2006}}</ref> The OH-58C were also the first U.S. Army scout helicopter to be equipped with the AN/APR-39 radar detector, which alerted the crew to active anti-aircraft radar systems nearby.<ref name="cmh-1977">{{cite web |url= http://www.army.mil/CMH/books/DAHSUM/1977/ch10.htm |title= Department of the Army Historical Summary, 1977 |publisher= United States Army Center of Military History |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040901065955/http://www.army.mil/cmh/books/DAHSUM/1977/ch10.htm |archive-date= 1 September 2004}}</ref> Some OH-58Cs were armed with two [[AIM-92 Stinger]]s and are sometimes referred to as OH-58C/S, the "S" referring to the Stinger addition.<ref name="amcom-storm">{{cite web |url= http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/netstorm/chapter3.html |title= Team Redstone's Role in Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM |publisher= Redstone Arsenal |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19970429103523/http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/netstorm/chapter3.html |archive-date= 29 April 1997}}</ref> Called Air-To-Air Stinger (ATAS), the weapon system was intended to provide an air defense capability.

The OH-58C was the final Kiowa variant in service with the U.S. Army, with it being used as a training aircraft.<ref name="theredstonerocket.com"/> On 9 July 2020, the US Army retired the last OH-58Cs from service.<ref name="Cannon14Jul20"/>

===OH-58D===
[[File:OH-58D of the 25th CAB landing on USS Lake Erie (CG-70) off Hawaii in 2013.JPG|thumb|OH-58D of 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, landing on {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}}]]

The ''OH-58D'' (Bell Model 406) was the result of the Army Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP). An upgraded transmission and engine gave extra power, needed for [[nap-of-the-earth]] flight profiles, and a four-bladed main rotor made it quieter than the two-bladed OH-58C. The OH-58D introduced the distinctive Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS) above the main rotor, and a mixed glass cockpit with traditional instruments as "standby" for emergencies.

The ''Bell 406CS'' "Combat Scout" was based on the OH-58D (sometimes referred to as the ''MH-58D''). Fifteen aircraft<ref name="1000photos-1"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airwar.ru/enc/ah/mh58.html |title= MH-58D Combat Scout |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20001204085200/http://airwar.ru/enc/ah/mh58.html |archive-date= 4 December 2000}}</ref> were sold to Saudi Arabia.<ref name="saudi1">{{cite web |url= http://www.scramble.nl/mil/4/saudiarabia/main.htm |title= Royal Saudi Air Arms |work= Scramble |publisher= Dutch Air Society |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120907235559/http://www.scramble.nl/mil/4/saudiarabia/main.htm |archive-date= 7 September 2012}}</ref> A roof-mounted Saab HeliTOW sight system was opted for in place of the MMS.<ref>"Bell Model 406 CS Combat Scout". ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1992–1993''. Jane's Information Group, 1992. [http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/yb/jawa/del00521.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Bell%20406%20CS&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JAWA& subscription article, dated 15 July 1992]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}.</ref> The 406CS also had detachable weapon hardpoints on each side.

[[File:OH-58DKW takes off in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|left|OH-58D in Afghanistan, 2011]]
The ''AH-58D'' was an OH-58D version operated by [[17th Cavalry Regiment#Unit history|Task Force 118]] (4th Squadron, 17th Cavalry) and modified with armament in support of [[Operation Prime Chance]]. 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.<ref>[http://tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/ah-58d.htm OH-58 series Kiowa Photo Gallery] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916230645/http://tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/ah-58d.htm |date=16 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.history.army.mil/CHRONOS/16jan91.htm |title= XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS CHRONOLOGY (16- 31 January 1991) |work= army.mil |access-date= 23 November 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180609/http://www.history.army.mil/CHRONOS/16jan91.htm |archive-date= 3 March 2016 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.history.army.mil/photos/gulf_war/ods.htm |title= Gulf War Photo Sampler – XVIII Airborne Corps History Office Photographs – Center of Military History |author= U.S. Army Center of Military History |work= army.mil |access-date= 23 November 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151124171855/http://www.history.army.mil/photos/gulf_war/ods.htm |archive-date= 24 November 2015 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

The ''Kiowa Warrior'', sometimes referred to by its acronym ''KW'', is the armed version of the OH-58D. A key difference between the Kiowa Warrior and original AHIP aircraft is a universal weapons pylon found mounted on both sides of the fuselage, capable of carrying combinations of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, air-to-air Stinger (ATAS) missiles, 7-shot {{convert|2.75|in|mm}} Hydra-70 rocket pods,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/hydra-70.htm |title= Hydra-70 Rocket System |publisher= Federation of American Scientists |access-date= 27 February 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070204162152/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/hydra-70.htm |archive-date= 4 February 2007 |url-status= live}}</ref> and an [[M2 Browning machine gun|M296]] 0.50 in (12.7&nbsp;mm) caliber machine gun. The performance standard of [[aerial gunnery]] from an OH-58D is to achieve at least one hit out of 70 shots fired at a wheeled vehicle {{convert|800|to|1200|m|ft|abbr=on}} away.<ref name=heligun1>[http://www.dodsbir.net/sitis/display_topic.asp?Bookmark=42650 "ASP Motion Base for Stabilized Mounts"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708201653/http://www.dodsbir.net/sitis/display_topic.asp?Bookmark=42650|date=8 July 2013}} ''[[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] [[Small Business Innovation Research]]''. Retrieved: June 2012.</ref><ref name=heligun2>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/1-140/AB.HTM "Helicopter gunnery tables"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601144705/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/1-140/AB.HTM |date=1 June 2012}} ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: June 2012.</ref> The Kiowa Warrior also includes improvements in available power, navigation, communication, survivability, and deployability.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/oh-58.htm |title= OH-58D Kiowa Warrior |publisher= Federation of American Scientists |access-date= 4 October 2006 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000125160557/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/oh-58.htm |archive-date= 25 January 2000}}</ref>

===OH-58E===
The OH-58E was one of 13 design candidates in the ''Advanced Scout Helicopter'' of 1980. The study's conclusion was to launch the ''Army Helicopter Improvement Program'' (AHIP) in 1981 centered on the OH-58D instead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=OH-58E |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/oh-58e.htm |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref>

===OH-58F===
The ''OH-58F'' is an OH-58D upgrade. The Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) adds a nose-mounted targeting and surveillance system alongside the MMS. The AAS-53 Common Sensor Payload has an infrared camera, color Electro-Optical camera, and image intensifier; via weight and drag reductions, flight performance increased by 1–2%.<ref name="vertiflite">{{cite journal |title= Stretching the Scout |last= Colucci |first= Frank |journal= Vertiflite |date= May–June 2013 |volume= 59 |issue= 3 |pages= 42–45}}</ref> Cockpit upgrades include the Control and Display Subsystem version 5, more storage and processing power, three color multi-function displays, and dual-independent advanced moving maps. It has Level 2 Manned-Unmanned (L2MUM) teaming, the [[Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below|Force Battle Command Brigade and Below]] (FBCB2) display screen, and can be updated to [[Blue Force Tracking|Blue Force Tracker 2]]. Survivability enhancements include ballistic floor armor and the Common Missile Warning System. It has greater situational awareness, digital inter-cockpit communications, HELLFIRE future upgrades, redesigned wiring harness, Health and Usage Monitoring (HUMS), and enhanced weapons functionality via 1760 digital interface. The OH-58F is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30R3 engine rated at {{convert|650|shp|kW|abbr=on}};<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20190502131608/http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/oh58f.htm "OH-58F Kiowa Warrior"]}}. ''OH-58F Kiowa Warrior''. military-today.com (online).</ref> it has a dual-channel, full-authority digital engine-controller that operates at required power levels in all environments.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.army.mil/article/53295/army-building-new-f-model-kiowa-warrior/?ref=news-home-title3 |title= Army building new F model Kiowa Warrior |publisher= army.mil |first= Kris |last= Osborn |date= 15 March 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2011/05/18/ OH-58F] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817061726/http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2011/05/18/ |date=17 August 2011}} Army.mil/Stand-To, 18 May 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bellhelicopter.com/MungoBlobs/93/11/EN_OH-58F_FactSheet.pdf |title= The Bell OH-58F: Your Mission |date= 2011 |publisher= Bell Helicopter |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111101084334/http://bellhelicopter.com/MungoBlobs/93/11/EN_OH-58F_FactSheet.pdf |archive-date= 1 November 2011}}</ref> [[Rolls-Royce North America|Rolls-Royce]] proposed engine tweaks to raise output by 12%.<ref>{{cite web |last= Trimble |first= Stephen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/26/348929/us-army-announces-new-fox-model-for-kiowa-warrior.html |title= US Army announces new Fox model for Kiowa Warrior |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101031215051/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/26/348929/us-army-announces-new-fox-model-for-kiowa-warrior.html |publisher= Flight International |date= 26 October 2010 |archive-date= 31 October 2010}}</ref>

[[File:OH-58F.jpg|thumb|OH-58F test aircraft in flight]]
In October 2012, the first OH-58F was finished. Unlike most military projects, the Army designed and built the new variant itself, which lowered development costs. It weighed {{convert|3590|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, {{convert|53|lb|kg|abbr=on}} below the target weight and about {{convert|200|lb|kg|abbr=on}} lighter than the OH-58D. The weight savings are attributed to more efficient wiring and a lighter sensor. The first production aircraft began manufacturing in January 2013 and was handed over to the Army by year end. Low rate production was to start in March 2015, with the first operational squadron being fully equipped by 2016. The Army was to buy 368 OH-58Fs, with older OH-58 variants to be remanufactured.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-us-army-completes-first-oh-58f-test-aircraft-378059/ |title= US Army completes first OH-58F test aircraft |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date= 25 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121031141046/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-us-army-completes-first-oh-58f-test-aircraft-378059/ |archive-date= 31 October 2012}}</ref> Due to battle damage and combat attrition, total OH-58F numbers would be about 321 aircraft.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130415093523/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2013/April/Pages/GivenBudgetUncertainty,ArmedAerialScoutHoveringinLimbo.aspx Given Budget Uncertainty, Armed Aerial Scout Hovering in Limbo]}} – Nationaldefensemagazine.com, April 2013</ref> The OH-58F's first flight occurred on 26 April 2013.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-oh-58f-makes-first-flight-385319/ US Army OH-58F makes first flight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728175121/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-army-oh-58f-makes-first-flight-385319/ |date=28 July 2013}} – Flightglobal.com, 30 April 2013</ref>

The Army chose to retire the Kiowa and end the CASUP upgrades. CASUP and SLEP upgrades were estimated to cost $3 billion and $7 billion respectively. The OH-58D could do 20 percent of armed aerial scout mission requirements, the OH-58F upgrade raised that to 50 percent. Replacing the Kiowa with Apaches and UAVs in scout roles met 80 percent of requirements.<ref name="ndm14jan14">{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20140119180058/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1374 Army Debates Divestment of Kiowa Warrior; Replacement Program in Doubt]}} – Nationaldefensemagazine.com, 14 January 2014</ref> In early 2014, Bell received a stop-work order for the Kiowa CASUP program.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-receives-stop-work-order-for-kiowa-upgrades-398890/ Bell receives stop work order for Kiowa upgrades] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506200309/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-receives-stop-work-order-for-kiowa-upgrades-398890/ |date=6 May 2014}} Flightglobal.com, 5 May 2014</ref>

===OH-58F Block II===
[[File:OH-58X.jpg|thumb|right|OH-58X, a modified OH-58D prototype. Note nose, pitch link cover and engine cowl area.]]

On 14 April 2011, Bell performed the successful first flight of the OH-58F Block II variant. It was Bell's entry in the [[Armed Aerial Scout]] (AAS) program.<ref>[http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,229853,00.html Bell Flies OH-58 Block II Candidate for AAS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208145108/http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,229853,00.html |date=8 December 2012}} Military.com, 19 April 2011</ref> It built on the improvements of the F-model, adding features such as the [[Honeywell HTS900]] turboshaft engine, the transmission and main rotors of the [[Bell 407]], and the tail and tail rotor of the [[Bell 427]]. Bell started flight demonstrations in October 2012.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-bell-starts-oh-58-block-ii-flight-demo-377946/ Bell starts OH-58 Block II flight demo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419111303/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-bell-starts-oh-58-block-ii-flight-demo-377946/ |date=19 April 2013}} Flightglobal.com, 23 October 2012</ref> Bell hoped for the Army to go with their service life extension models instead of the AAS program. The OH-58F is an "obsolescence upgrade", while the Block II was seen as the performance upgrade. This gave the Army financial flexibility via the option of upgrading the Kiowa to the OH-58F and later continuing to the Block II when there were sufficient funds.<ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2012/December/Pages/ScoutHelicopterCompetitorstoArmyIt’sTimeforaFlyoff.aspx Scout Helicopter Competitors to Army: It’s Time for a Flyoff] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130415183548/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2012/December/Pages/ScoutHelicopterCompetitorstoArmyIt%E2%80%99sTimeforaFlyoff.aspx |date=15 April 2013}} – Nationaldefensemagazine.com, December 2012</ref> In late 2012, the Army recommended that the AAS program proceed.<ref name="aas forward"/><ref name=AW_slep/> The Army ended the AAS program in late 2013.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG02/301140036/Outgoing-General-US-Army-Must-Continue-Fund-Research-Development Outgoing General: US Army Must Continue To Fund Research and Development] {{Webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140117033719/http%3A//www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG02/301140036/Outgoing%2DGeneral%2DUS%2DArmy%2DMust%2DContinue%2DFund%2DResearch%2DDevelopment |date=17 January 2014}} – Defensenews.com, 14 January 2014</ref> In light of sequestration budget cuts in 2013, it was decided that the $16 billion cost to buy new armed scout helicopters was too great.<ref name="ndm14jan14"/>

===Others===
The OH-58X was a modification of the fourth development OH-58D (s/n 69-16322) with partial stealth features and a chin-mounted McDonnell Douglas Electronics Systems turret as a night piloting system; including a Kodak FLIR system with a 30-degree field of view. Avionics systems were consolidated and moved to the nose, making room for a passenger seat in the rear. No aircraft were produced.<ref name="Jackson-1"/>