Croatia received its first batch of ex-US Army Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, donated by United States on July 30. The first b...
Croatia received its first batch of ex-US Army Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, donated by United States on July 30.
The first batch of five helicopters were airlifted to the to Zemunik Air base by a U.S. Air Force C-5B Galaxy heavy transport aircraft along with simulators, spares and support equipment.
The surplus helicopters were retired by U.S. Army in November 2015, as outlined by its 2013 Aviation Restructure Initiative, in which around 340 of the type will be pulled out of service.
These light assault helicopters manufactured from 2010 and 2012, were selected as they have clocked less flight hours.
They are taken over inclusive with the standard weapons set, the optical boresight system, the communication and navigation equipment and the respective live ammunition (12.7 mm, the Hydra non-guided missiles and the Hellfire 114-AGM missiles.
The primary purpose of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters is connected with reconnaissance and attack capabilities. In combat situations it is used for anti-armour fighting, close air support and immediate air support; convoy escort and protection, correction and guidance of artillery precision fire and urban operations.
The helicopters provide target acquisition and designation under day and night conditions as well as superior manoeuvering and fire capabilities and survivability.
U.S. Army employed the type in scout roles equipped with machine gun and grenade launchers to support ground troops with firepower.
Distinctive feature of the Kiowa Warriors are the knife like extensions above and below the cockpit to prevent wire strike during low altitude operations.
The deal for 16 helicopters were finalized in February 2016, becoming the first nation to receive the type under the US State Department’s Excess Defense Articles framework.
The first batch of five helicopters were airlifted to the to Zemunik Air base by a U.S. Air Force C-5B Galaxy heavy transport aircraft along with simulators, spares and support equipment.
The surplus helicopters were retired by U.S. Army in November 2015, as outlined by its 2013 Aviation Restructure Initiative, in which around 340 of the type will be pulled out of service.
These light assault helicopters manufactured from 2010 and 2012, were selected as they have clocked less flight hours.
They are taken over inclusive with the standard weapons set, the optical boresight system, the communication and navigation equipment and the respective live ammunition (12.7 mm, the Hydra non-guided missiles and the Hellfire 114-AGM missiles.
The primary purpose of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters is connected with reconnaissance and attack capabilities. In combat situations it is used for anti-armour fighting, close air support and immediate air support; convoy escort and protection, correction and guidance of artillery precision fire and urban operations.
The helicopters provide target acquisition and designation under day and night conditions as well as superior manoeuvering and fire capabilities and survivability.
U.S. Army employed the type in scout roles equipped with machine gun and grenade launchers to support ground troops with firepower.
Distinctive feature of the Kiowa Warriors are the knife like extensions above and below the cockpit to prevent wire strike during low altitude operations.
The deal for 16 helicopters were finalized in February 2016, becoming the first nation to receive the type under the US State Department’s Excess Defense Articles framework.
