This installation of a Cloud Cap Technology TASE400HD payload on the
OH-58 helicopter operated by the HCSO will enable officers to better identify threats in busy areas by combining high definition day and night (thermal) imagery with automatic tracking of moving targets, for greater situational awareness.
The divestment of the Kiowra Warrior fleet would be a blow to Bell Helicopter, which has already begun upgrading
OH-58 cockpits and sensors.
OH-58 and OH-6 faced a similar problem: "Those were not armed, and in Vietnam they ran around trying to draw fire to find where the targets were.
"This decision is being considered along with a decision to restructure the armed reconnaissance squadron to a design featuring three troops of
OH-58 Kiowa Warriors and two platoons in Shadow tactical unmanned systems," Thurman added.
9: A
OH-58 Kiowa crashed in Falluja and its pilot managed to survive.
The state is left with an older loaner Blackhawk from Idaho, five CH 47 cargo helicopters, and four
OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, Braibish said.
It said the
OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter went down because of an accident and that there was no enemy fire in the area.
DRS will provide support for mast-mounted sights on the
OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
The new aircraft are intended to replace aging
OH-58 choppers currently used for reconnaissance,.
The
OH-58 Kiowa helicopter came down south of Kirkuk.
Franzen said an American
OH-58 two-seat reconnaissance helicopter suffered 'mechanical difficulties' but was unaware if it had come under enemy attack.
The US Army is currently testing a new filter, designed by BAE Systems (Nashua, NH), to protect the AN/ALQ-144 infrared-countermeasures systems (themselves produced by BAE Systems) that equip the service's UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, and
OH-58 Kiowa helicopters (one of which is shown here).