Officials Want To Look Into "Specific System Concerns"

Military brass at Fort Rucker in Alabama have grounded the entire fleet of OH-58 Delta Kiowa Warrior helicopters. The grounding is not a result of an accident but rather a pro-active decision to take a holistic look into specific system concerns.

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The length of ground time has not yet been determined but is expected to be minimal. The grounding of the fleet is not expected to heavily impact the training of those students going into the Kiowa Warrior course.

The Kiowa family consists of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S. Army since 1969.
 
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is the latest model. It is primarily operated in an armed reconnaissance role in support of ground troops. The OH-58 has been exported to Austria, Canada, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. It has also been produced under license in Australia.

FMI: www.rucker.army.mil