Kiowa Warrior
Abstract
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior (KW) 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 (MMS) 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. Sensor imagery from compatible Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and manned aircraft can be received and relayed to other aircraft or ground stations. The Active Army and the National Guard fly Kiowa Warriors. Funding develops, integrates and qualifies modifications to support Kiowa Warrior missions. The ACAT II KW Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) will convert the OH-58D to the OH-58F configuration, and allow it to continue to safely serve as the Army's armed reconnaissance, aviation platform through its operational service life. Efforts include upgrading Control Display System (CDS) mission computers, avionics, intercom system, aircraft survivability systems, weapon systems, electrical systems, and cockpit instruments and displays, reducing weight and obsolescence, structural modifications, and replacing single with dual channel Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), the MMS with the nose mounted AN/AAS-53 Common Sensor Payload (CSP) which is common with the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Training Aids, Devices, Simulators and Simulations (TADSS) will be upgraded to maintain concurrency. OH-58D KW addresses the Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) requirements by improving the Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS), digital map elevation banding and inter-visibility, and position location/integrity through the embedded Global Positioning System (GPS). OH-58F KW CASUP adds CSP and Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) flight symbology to further increase capability in degraded environments. Additionally, the funding will develop and qualify Fielded Fleet Upgrades (FFU) for the OH-58D fleet in order to address near term obsolescence, safety and interoperability. FFU will accelerate integration of the Improved Master Controller Processor Unit (IMCPU) and Dual Channel FADEC (DCF) software and hardware. FFU maintains OH-58D fleet viability and operational readiness using components that are common with the OH-58F configuration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 538_0604220A_5_2040_PB_2014
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