The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a remarkable piece of aviation history. This single-engine, single-rotor military helicopter has served numerous roles, from observation and utility to direct fire support. Produced by the American manufacturer Bell Helicopter, the OH-58 Kiowa shares a close relationship with the Model 206A JetRanger civilian helicopter, showcasing the versatility of its design.
Development and Early Years
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was initially developed during the early 1960s as the D-250 for the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program. Despite facing stiff competition from rival Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, Bell refined its design and successfully submitted a variant to the reopened LOH competition. The initial model, designated as the OH-58A, was introduced in May 1969. Successive models followed, featuring uprated engines, enhanced protection systems, and other improvements, culminating in the OH-58F.
Role Expansion and Technological Advancements
In the 1970s, the US Army expressed interest in an advanced scout helicopter. The OH-58 Kiowa was further developed, evaluated, and ultimately procured as the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. This variant was equipped to perform armed reconnaissance missions and provide fire support to friendly ground forces. It featured a distinctive Mast Mounted Sight (MMS) containing various sensors for target acquisition and laser designation. Another visible feature present on most OH-58s are knife-like extensions above and below the co*ckpit that form part of the passive wire strike protection system.
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior introduced perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Kiowa family — the Mast Mounted Sight (MMS). This gyro-stabilized platform contained a television system, a thermal imaging system, and a laser range finder/designator. These features gave the OH-58D the additional mission capability of target acquisition and laser designation in day or night, limited-visibility, and adverse weather.
Operational History
An OH-58 Kiowa helicopter from Company B, 307th Attack Helicopter Battalion, conducts a scouting mission during the joint US Army/Air Force Exercise CALFEX ’86 (combined arms live fire exercise).
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa has a rich operational history, having been deployed in numerous war zones over the decades. Only two months after its entry into service, it was first deployed into the Vietnam War. The US Army made extensive use of various OH-58 models, seeing active combat during the Gulf War, the Invasion of Panama, and the War in Afghanistan among others.
Deployment in Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, the OH-58A Kiowa was one of the first helicopter losses of the war. The helicopter was shot down over South Vietnam, marking one of the first combat losses for the model. Approximately 45 OH-58A helicopters were destroyed during the Vietnam War due to combat losses and accidents.
Operation Prime Chance
During Operation Prime Chance, the escort of oil tankers during the Iran–Iraq War, armed OH-58D helicopters from the 118th Aviation Task Force were phased in to replace the SEABAT (AH-6/MH-6) teams of Task Force 160th.
Operation Desert Storm
During Operation Desert Storm, 115 deployed OH-58D helicopters participated in a wide variety of critical combat missions and were vital to the success of the ground forces mission. The Kiowa Warrior had the lowest ratio of maintenance hours to flight hours of any combat helicopter in the theater of operations, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness.
Modern Usage and Retirement
A Bell OH-58 Kiowa getting ready for another mission during Operation Desert Storm.
Despite its proven capabilities, the OH-58 Kiowa was retired from active service in the US Army in 2017. However, it continues to serve in several other countries’ armed forces, including Greece, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. The Kiowa’s retirement was part of a broader restructuring of the US Army’s aviation assets, which saw a shift towards the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance roles.
Continued Service in Other Countries
Even after its retirement from the US Army, the OH-58 Kiowa continues to serve in several other countries. The Greek Army operates a fleet of OH-58Ds, while Taiwan and Saudi Arabia also maintain active Kiowa fleets. These helicopters continue to provide valuable reconnaissance and fire support capabilities to these nations.
Legacy of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa has left an indelible mark on the history of military aviation. Its versatility, reliability, and adaptability have made it a mainstay of numerous armed forces around the world. Even as it is phased out in favor of newer technologies, the Kiowa’s legacy continues to influence the design and development of future military helicopters.
Influence on Future Designs
The Kiowa’s design and operational success have influenced the development of future military helicopters. Its use of a single engine and rotor, combined with its compact size and versatile mission capabilities, have set a standard for future designs. The Kiowa’s influence can be seen in the development of modern scout and light attack helicopters.
The Kiowa Lives On
A US Army (USA) OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter provides close air support (CAS) during a joint USA and Iraqi Army (IA) cordon and search operation for hidden weapon caches in Sinjar, Ninawa Province, Iraq (IRQ) during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of military aviation design. From its early days as a light observation helicopter to its evolution into a versatile combat platform, the Kiowa has proven its worth time and again. Its legacy continues to influence the design of future military helicopters, ensuring that the spirit of the Kiowa lives on.
Civilian Conversions and Uses
Interestingly, the Kiowa’s influence extends beyond the military sphere. Several OH-58s have been converted for civilian use, demonstrating the model’s adaptability. These conversions typically involve removing military-specific equipment and systems, making the helicopters suitable for a range of civilian applications.
Today, civilian Kiowas are used in various roles, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, private aviation, and even agriculture. In law enforcement, the Kiowa’s observation capabilities make it an excellent platform for surveillance and patrol duties. For emergency medical services, the helicopter’s compact size and reliability are invaluable for rapid response and patient transport. Private owners and aviation enthusiasts also appreciate the Kiowa for its performance, durability, and historical significance.
Kiowa in Agriculture
One of the more unique applications of the Kiowa in the civilian sector is in agriculture. The helicopter’s maneuverability and stability make it an effective tool for crop dusting and other agricultural tasks. Farmers can use the Kiowa to quickly and efficiently distribute fertilizers or pesticides over large areas of land, making it a valuable asset in modern farming operations. This unconventional use of the Kiowa is yet another testament to its versatility and adaptability.
Whether serving in the military or civilian sectors, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa continues to demonstrate its versatility and enduring value. Its legacy is a testament to the power of innovative design and adaptable technology, and it remains a significant chapter in the history of aviation.
