KIOWA WARRIOR

Abstract

The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a two-seat, single-engine, observation, scout/attack helicopter with four main rotor blades. It utilizes a thermal-imaging system and a laser rangefinder/designator in a mast-mounted sight situated above the main rotor system. The aircraft is equipped with a variety of weapon systems including: HELLFIRE, 2.75-inch rockets, and a .50-caliber machine gun. The aircraft operates autonomously at standoff ranges providing armed reconnaissance, command and control, and target acquisition/designation for Apache helicopters and other airborne weapons platforms in day, night, and adverse-weather conditions. The Active Army and the National Guard fly Kiowa Warriors. Funding develops, integrates and qualifies modifications to support Kiowa Warrior missions - principally the ACAT II Kiowa Warrior Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP). These upgrades to the Kiowa Warrior will convert the OH-58D(R) to the OH-58F configuration, and allow it to continue to safely serve as the Army's armed reconnaissance, aviation platform through its operation service end date of FY2025. The modifications planned will address issues with weight, safety, interoperability, survivability, and sustainability to enhance mission capability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
538_0604220A_5_2040_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Military Science

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control

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