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Bell Helicopter to Place 27 OH-58Ds in Safety Programme |
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Monday, 09 June 2008 |
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Bell Helicopter has received a contract to enter 27 OH-58D aircraft into the KWSE Programme.
United States helicopter manufacturer Bell has begun modifications on 27 OH-58D aircraft in preparation for their enrollment in the Kiowa Warrior Safety Enhancement (KWSE) Programme.
The aircraft, from the 1-230th Air Cavalry Squadron of the Tennessee Army National Guard, will be upgraded as part of the Safety Enhancement Programme, with three aircraft due to be completed in 2008 and a further 24 in 2009.
The OH-58D upgrades will include new engines and improved computer control systems, improvements that the US Army deemed necessary for the safe and continual operation of the OH-58D armed reconnaissance helicopter until it is retired.
The Army's Kiowa fleet of helicopters has clocked up a total of 1.5 million flight hours, including over 380,000 combat flight hours.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was introduced into service in 1969 and is also operated by air forces in Australia, Canada and China. The OH-58D is powered by a Rolls-Royce Model 250-C30 turboshaft engine, which is also used in the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.
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