Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

The armed scout helicopter built for reconnaissance and battlefield coordination.

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: B06 1989–Onward Active $4.9 million (1990)

The Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a reconnaissance and light attack helicopter developed for the U.S. Army. An upgraded version of the earlier OH-58, it incorporated advanced sensors and weapons. The aircraft entered service in the 1980s.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls-Royce T703-AD-700A
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
650 shp · 485 kW
Avionics
Mast-mounted sight
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
42 ft 2 in  ·  12.85 m
Tail height
11 ft 1 in  ·  3.39 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
35 ft 0 in  ·  10.67 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
3,350 lb  ·  1,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,000 lb  ·  900 kg
Fuel capacity
120 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
120 kt  ·  138 mph  ·  222 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
300 nm  ·  350 mi  ·  560 km
Fuel burn
2.87 nm/gal  ·  1.40 km/L
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
1,450 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa

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Operational Context

Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior — armed reconnaissance helicopter

The OH-58D first flew in 1983 and entered operational service in 1985. It featured a mast-mounted sight system above the rotor, allowing the aircraft to observe targets while remaining partially concealed. The helicopter was designed for scouting and light attack missions in support of ground forces.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 turboshaft engine producing approximately 650 shaft horsepower, the OH-58D cruises at around 120 knots (222 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 5,500 pounds (2,495 kg). The aircraft can carry rockets and air-to-ground missiles depending on mission requirements.

The Kiowa Warrior served extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was eventually retired from U.S. Army service in 2017. The aircraft played a key role in modern armed reconnaissance doctrine.

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