The helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa. Specifications. A photo.
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The helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa. Specifications. A photo.

The helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa. Specifications. A photo.

 

Bell OH-58 Kiowa - American military multipurpose helicopter developed by Aircraft Corporation «Bell Helicopter» in 1966 year.

 

Photo Bell OH-58 Kiowa

 

The project of the American multipurpose military helicopter began to be developed by experts of the company "Bell Helicopter" under the special order of the Armed forces of the USA. This was due to the need to supply the country's armed forces with quality multi-purpose aircraft capable of providing fire cover and being used as full-fledged combat units capable of combating enemy forces, including manpower, lightly armored and armored vehicles. The development of an exceptionally percussive helicopter was not of interest to US military commanders, since, in this situation, the aircraft could not be used to transfer small groups of people and evacuate them.

The first work on the creation of a multi-purpose military aircraft means beginning of the American aircraft manufacturers still in 1961 year, and in fact, the entire process of helicopter development took 5 years, which has led to some increase in the cost of the aircraft, however, due to the fact that the aircraft was designed exclusively for military use , it is virtually no effect on his popularity.

 

Bell OH-58 Kiowa photo

 

In 1966 by helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa has made its first test flight, which turned out to be quite impressive, however, a number of design features of the aircraft require additional modifications, in this connection, the production of this aircraft began only in 1969 year.

On board his helicopter model Bell OH-58 Kiowa may transport six people, including two pilots, or as a single pilot and arrow, as well as four soldiers, or equal to the amount by weight of the additional load. Due to the fact that the aircraft possess multipurpose helicopter has received a lot of support, and therefore the release of it was conducted up to 1989 years.

Armament helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa includes one machine gun with a block of 6 rotating shafts, and can further equip two sets of rockets to destroy armored equipment of the enemy, or else to provide the combustion air cover. If necessary, there may also be installed and two large-caliber machine gun hand, however, in this case, the aircraft crew should be increased up to four people.

 

Helicopter Bell OH-58 Kiowa

 

The power plant of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa model helicopter consists of one Allison T63-A-700 gas turbine aircraft engine, which is capable of developing a thrust of 317 hp, which is very little for a military helicopter. Nevertheless, the aircraft engine is highly reliable and provides the aircraft with the ability to accelerate to a speed of 220 km / h. (depending on the modification of the helicopter). The helicopter can fly over distances of up to 480 kilometers, which is very acceptable for this type of aircraft.

Production of model helicopters Bell OH-58 Kiowa carried out by US aircraft manufacturers in the following variants:

  • Bell OH-58A Kiowa - basic four-seat production version of the aircraft;
  • Bell OH-58B Kiowa - export version of the helicopter, developed by request of the Austrian Air Force;
  • Bell OH-58C Kiowa - An upgraded version with a more efficient power plant and a number of technical improvements;
  • Bell OH-58D Kiowa - An improved version of the helicopter, with more powerful weapons and a number of technical additions and improvements;
  • Bell OH-58F Kiowa - A modernized version of the helicopter, presented in 2012 year;
  • Bell OH-58F Block II - one of the varieties of the helicopter version of the Bell OH-58F Kiowa;
  • Bell OH-58X Kiowa - A special experimental version of the helicopter.

 

Specifications Bell OH-58 Kiowa.

 

  • Crew: 2 person;
  • Capacity: 4 people (depending on version);
  • helicopter length: 9,8 m (depending on version).
  • The height of the helicopter: 2,92 m (depending on version).
  • The diameter of the rotor: 10,78 m (depending on version).
  • Weight of empty helicopter: 718 kg. (Depending on version);
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 1360 kg. (Depending on version);
  • Cruising speed: 190 km \ h. (Depending on version);
  • Maximum flight speed: 220 km \ h. (Depending on version);
  • Maximum flight distance: 480 km. (Depending on version);
  • Maximum flight height: 5800 m .;
  • Powerplant: Allison T63-A-700 (depending on version);
  • Power: 317 hp (Depending on version).

 

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