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 helicopter has 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 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 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 OH-58 Kiowa Warrior is able to perform its missions with all weather capabilities.
OH-58 Kiowa 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
A rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa by Randy Swanson.
Radio Control Helicopters
We haven't found many rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter versions for sale. It seems that if someone wants a larger rc OH-58 Kiowa, they may need to start with one of the 206 fuselages or kits.
Pictured above is the fantastic rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter built by Randy Swanson. It is 54" long and 18" high. Power is by a O.S. Max .91 heli engine driving a Uni - 2000 system.
Pictured first below is the rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa fuselage for sale by Heli Hobby. It is made from polystyrene and will fit Blade CP and micro helicopter models.
The next picture below is the Vario Sky Fox for conversion to a rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa. Length is 58". For power you will need a 11.5 cc engine.
The last picture on this page is of a turbine engine Vario rc helicopter for conversion to a rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa. It has a fuselage length of 98 1/2". You can power it with a number of turbine engines.
If you have a favorite rc Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, please email us about it.
Bell OH-58 Kiowa
