Will Extend The Kiowa Warrior Service Life 'For Many Years'

Bell Helicopter has been awarded a contract with the U.S. Army valued at more than $61 million to supply 12 new metal OH-58D Kiowa Warrior cabins and 12 supplemental parts kits. The new metal cabins will be manufactured at Bell Helicopter's facility in Amarillo, Texas with deliveries to begin January 2015.

"This agreement is a significant milestone in the Kiowa Warrior's legacy, proving the Army's continued confidence in the OH-58 aircraft. With its remarkable record for reliability and our continuous improvement roadmap, the OH-58 will continue to meet the needs of the Army for many years to come," said Mike Miller, director of Military Business Development at Bell Helicopter.

The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S. Army, flying more than 836,000 combat hours with the highest readiness and highest OPTEMPO in the Army fleet. During a program update last April at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's Annual Professional Forum and Exposition, Bell Helicopter shared that the OH-58 consistently ranks as the Army's most affordable combat aircraft. Combining new metal cabins with the ongoing cockpit and sensor upgrade program will enhance the capabilities of this proven workhorse while also extending its service life.

(Kiowa Warrior image from file)

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com