OH-58D

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Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the US attack helicopter OH-58D. For the other version, see OH-58D (China).
OH-58D
oh_58d.png
GarageImage OH-58D.jpg
OH-58D
AB RB SB
9.7 10.3 10.3
Research:380 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 000 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Development of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa began in the early 1960s as part of a US Army competition for a light reconnaissance helicopter. The first prototypes, designated YOH-4, were ready by 1961, but initially lost against the Hughes OH-6 "Cayuse". However, in 1967 the competition was renewed, and Bell entered again with a significantly improved model, the already commercially successful Bell 206A. This time Bell won the contest, and its helicopter was adopted by the army under the designation OH-58.

In 1983, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior modification made its first flight. It featured an upgraded powerplant and transmission, a four-bladed rotor instead of a two-bladed one, an updated cockpit, and the characteristic mast-mounted sight above the main rotor. OH-58D helicopters were used by the US Army during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan among other conflicts. Production of this version of the helicopter continued until 2000, and by 2020 the last OH-58Ds were retired from service with the US Army.

The OH-58D was introduced in Update "Sons of Attila". Besides its compact size and good performance specifications, the "Kiowa Warrior" can carry a substantial amount of weaponry: from standard rocket pods to Hellfire II missiles and a rapid-firing 30 mm LR30 grenade launcher. Moreover, it has decent chances of survival in air combat, thanks to its small size, access to countermeasures and RWR, and Stinger AAMs. However, it lacks any armour protection, making constant vigilance and good piloting skills vital for survival against aggressors.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m231 km/h
Max altitude4 575 m
EngineAllison 250-C30R
Power650 hp
Take-off weight2 t

The OH-58D is quite nimble, whilst certainly not amongst the most agile flight models in the game it can reach comfortable speeds in quick time. Players who experienced the AH-6M previously to this may initially be put off. Aggressive manoeuvres are possible, but not recommended. Overhead flight will see the helicopter lose a fair amount of altitude and may unintentionally lead to a rather unwanted confrontation with the ground, though these types of manoeuvres are absolutely possible if you are far enough above ground.

Side-to-side movement is recommended for evasive actions, as "pulling up" will see the helicopter decelerate about halfway up. Just like in the real world, the helicopter is built for nap-of-the-earth flight, so staying low is sensible. Forward flight will see you in the mid-range of helicopter speed, you won't reach the speeds of heavier machines with bigger blades and more powerful engines. That said, it's heavier than its predecessor and thus climbs a fair bit slower.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 215 203 4575
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h

The main frame of the helicopter is completely unarmoured. The defensive capabilities of this machine are mostly limited to the pilot's ability to stay hidden. You have two crew members, who are both capable of manning controls. This does help, should a machine gun round find its way into the cockpit canopy.

More consistent defensive options include the OEAPS mounted on the rear behind the rotor, which can stop some IR-missiles from locking as well as optical locking if the Pod is visible. You also have a flare pod mounted on the bottom of the craft. It is recommended that should you flare missiles, you either point this pod at the missile whilst flaring/moving or pre-flare using your up to 36 countermeasures. Due to shooting downwards, terrain may obscure the flares from ground fired ordnance.

The helicopter also has a fairly large full tank behind the crew, which may absorb fragments from machine gun rounds and maybe even cannon ammo. However, this is your only fuel tank and if it were to burn out the engine will be out of fuel. Helicopters with skid landing gear, such as this one, tend to have it absorb a shot or two if they're lucky.

It is advised to not rely on luck and stay out of easy to spot positions.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 873 → 14 161 Sl icon.png
RB4 053 → 6 468 Sl icon.png
SB5 269 → 8 409 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications296 000 Rp icon.png
433 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 250 / 350 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods cannon.png
LR30 cannon
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod GP-19
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
APKWS II
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
GAU_19_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
GAU_19_new_gun
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Offensive armament

The OH-58D is armed with:

  • A choice between three presets:
    • 36 x countermeasures
    • 36 x countermeasures + Flak jackets
    • 36 x countermeasures + Flak jackets + IRCM

Suspended armament

The OH-58D can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun (1,500 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm GAU-19 machine gun (550 rpg)
  • 1 x 30 mm LR30 cannon (250 rpg)
  • 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  • 2 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
  • 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
  • 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets

Usage in battles

Pilots familiar with the AH-6M will find themselves in a similar position. The OH-58D sets out to mostly achieve the same end results with improved ease of use. You have the same high-resolution thermals with improved 36.8x magnification optics. The mast-mount also provides a higher point of view, however currently going hull-down whilst designating targets is not possible. The laser still originates from the pilot/cockpit and thus a missile will miss unless that is exposed. You can still peek ridges using it though.

Your most commonly used weaponry will be the AGM-114K Hellfire II, which you get two of starting out stock. It requires you to lase the target for the terminal part of flight, which tends to be around the final 8 seconds of flight. They can be sent into a target area and guide themselves initially using their in-ordnance guidance (IOG). Make sure to turn off your laser temporarily should you drop behind cover as the missile will nosedive otherwise.

Your other options, also usually known as your other weapon pylon when stock, include the APKWS II M282 and M151. The latter only functions against open-top vehicles as they are purely HE. The former feature a SAP warhead, which may deceive you into thinking it being a poor choice with a meagre ~500g of explosive mass. It will make short work of light vehicles though, easily penetrating vehicles like the Strela-M2 and the 2S38 and exploding within the crew compartment. Laser homing missiles like these should be fired from 3-4 km range, whilst pointing the helicopter at the target as they are quite rigid at turning.

The Kiowa Warrior will eventually be able to equip ATAS, which are the Stinger missiles that may be familiar from other vehicles already. They can be deadly from the rear aspect against less manoeuvrable planes, side-aspect shots aren't recommended as they need to make contact to detonate. They can be a viable secondary option besides AGM-114K.

The not-so popular options include small M247 Hydra rocket pods for seven shots each and a range of projectile weapon options. They can make for fun options mixing up playstyles. Even though these tend to necessitate close contact with the enemy. This is not recommended as the Kiowa Warriors protection mostly relies on premonition and staying hidden.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 4 x AGM-144K Hellfire II, 2 of which while stock
  • High 36.8x magnification
  • IRST-auto tracking for missiles
  • Many weapons options for different playstyles

Cons:

  • No reliable close range defense options against attacking aircraft
  • ATAS are unreliable and replace anti-ground ordnance
  • Somewhat slow to accelerate in level flight
  • Mast-mount sight currently does not allow for "hull-down" playstyle

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

External links


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30