NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was the first U.S. military helicopter with an all-glass cockpit.
The helicopters have two-place pilot seating, and two place rear seating. The controls for the left seat are removable in order to seat a passenger in front.
While serving in Vietnam, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa was armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun remotely operated by the pilot.
The model D features an upgraded engine and transmission, plus a new 4-blade main rotor that enables quieter operation.
The Bell helicopter has a sight mounted on the mast at the top of the rotor system. The entire system is kept stabilized by the helicopter main gyro. This provides a base for a weapons range finder that uses lasers for pinpoint accuracy. Also located in the mast is an infrared imaging system.
With its latest avionics, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa Warrior is able to perform its missions with all weather capabilities.
The helicopters were deployed in the Vietnam War, Afghanistan and most recently in Iraq. They are currently operational in many countries around the world.
A total of over 2,200 Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopters of all types have been manufactured to date.
Development History:
Oct. 1961 - The U.S. Army proposed a Light Observation Helicopter that eventually would be the Bell OH-58 Kiowa.
Nov. 1961 - Bell proposed their Model 206 (YHO-4A).
1962 - The U.S. Army evaluated five Bell models.
Dec. 1962 - The U.S. Army rejected Bell's proposal due to engine problems.
Jan. 1966 the civilian Model 206A flew for the first time.
Feb.1967 the Army again asked for proposals under the Light Observation Helicopter program when other contractors couldn't meet their manufacturing performance obligations. Bell responded.
1968 - Bell was awarded a contract.
1969 - The Bell OH-58 Kiowa military version was ready for deployment.
recon/attack
two
650 hp
41' 2"
12' 10"
35' 0"
3,290 lbs.
5,500 lbs.
110 US gals.
92 mph
144 mph
1,615 fpm
20,500 feet
345 miles
12/11/62
1969
Radio Control Helicopter
RC Bell OH-58 Kiowa by Randy Swanson.
Radio Control Helicopters:
We haven't found many Bell OH-58 RC Helicopter versions of the Bell 206. It seems that if someone wants a Bell OH-58 Kiowa radio control helicopter, they would need to start with one of the Bell 206 RC Helicopter fuselages or kits.
Pictured above is the fantastic Bell OH-58 Kiowa rc helicopter built by Randy Swanson. The RC Bell OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter is 54" long and 18" high. Power for the radio control helicopter is by an O.S. Max .91 heli engine driving a Uni - 2000 system.
Picture immediately below are examples of Vario RC Helicopters. The first picture below is the Bell 206 Vario Sky Fox radio control helicopter. for conversion to a rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa. Length of the RC Helicopter is 58". To power the radio control helicopter you will need a 11.5 cc engine.
The last picture on this page is of a turbine engine RC Helicopter for conversion to a Bell OH-58 Kiowa rc. The radio control helicopter has a fuselage length of 98 1/2". You can power the RC Helicopter with a number of turbine engines.
If you have have a favorite RC Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, please email us us about it. We would also appreciate you telling us of any Bell OH-58 Kiowa radio control helicopter kits, ARF's, or fuselages you would like to recommend.
Sky Fox RC Helicopter.