A military version of one of the most popular helicopters in the world. In 1960, the U.S. Army announced a competition for a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH). Bell Helicopter developed the D-250 design, designated YHO-4. Based on this project, the Model 206, designated YOH-4A, was created. In 1962, five prototypes were built for military trials. Bell’s design lost to the Hughes OH-6A helicopter, which was declared the competition winner in 1965.
After being rejected by the Army, Bell made further design modifications and directed the helicopter to the civilian market under the designation Bell 206A JetRanger. Mass production began, and today the Bell 206 is the most popular light turbine helicopter type in the world, used by both civilian and military aviation in many countries.
In 1967, the U.S. Army held another competition for a light helicopter due to production problems at Hughes. Bell submitted the 206A helicopter, which was declared the winner and received the designation OH-58A Kiowa. In August 1969, Kiowa helicopters entered action with American Air Cavalry units fighting in Vietnam. During the fighting, 45 helicopters were lost.
The Bell OH-58 was modernized in the 1970s and 1980s. Initially, the OH-58C version was developed, powered by a more powerful engine and with enhanced avionics. In 1981, the prototype of the OH-58D version was flown, equipped again with a more powerful engine and transmission system, a four-blade main rotor, and a mast-mounted observation sight housing a gyroscopically stabilized platform with a television camera, infrared observation system, and a laser rangefinder and target designator. The armed version carries the designation OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. OH-58D helicopters cooperate with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, designating targets for them to destroy.
In 1970, the Canadian Armed Forces ordered 74 Bell OH-58A helicopters to replace their Hiller UH-12 Nomad helicopters and Cessna L-19 Bird Dog aircraft. They were delivered between 1971 and 1982 and remained in service until 1995. Besides the United States and Canada, other operators of the helicopter include Austria, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia.
The exhibited helicopter, serial number 71-20920, inventory number 136255, was donated by the Canadian Armed Forces in 2010.
| Rotor diameter | 10.77 m |
| Fuselage length | – |
| Takeoff weight | 1360 kg |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h |
| Ceiling | 5800 m |
| Range | 481 km |
| Armament | M27 armament system with M134 Minigun 7.62 mm machine gun or XM-8 armament system with M129 40 mm grenade launcher |
| Engine | Allison T63-A-700 turboshaft engine, 317 hp |
