Apaches take out drones and remembering the first flight of the Kiowa
AH-64s are being used to counter "kamakazie" drones and looking back on the origins of the OH-58
“God, Grant me the eyes of an Eagle, The judgement of an Owl, The reflexes of a Cat, The radar of a Cave Bat, The heart of a Bull, and The balls of an Army helicopter pilot.”
-anonymous
As you can see from the above quote, this edition of the newsletter features helicopters - here we go:
Mission Briefing
Today the excessive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly kamikaze drones, has transformed the battlefield. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine highlight the growing threat these drones pose to military forces, infrastructure, and even civilian populations. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop effective counter-drone capabilities, whether through missiles, lasers, jammers, or other advanced air defense systems. Enter the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter—an iconic force on the battlefield—now training to take on a new role: hunting and destroying UAVs in mid-flight.
Recently, the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopters have been honing their skills in neutralizing drones using upgraded Hellfire missiles, among other weaponry. A video shared by U.S. Central Command shows AH-64 Apaches in action during the Red Sands training exercise in Saudi Arabia, locking onto a kamikaze drone and destroying it with pinpoint precision. This exercise underscores the importance of counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) training, especially as drones become an increasingly common tool of war.
The AH-64 Apache, a stalwart of the U.S. Army since the mid-1980s, is renowned for its firepower, durability, and adaptability. Armed with Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rocket pods, and a 30mm chain gun, the Apache can engage targets on the ground and in the air with deadly efficiency. Its sophisticated targeting systems, including infrared and laser-guided technology, allow the helicopter to engage multiple threats, making it an ideal platform for countering the rising drone menace.
In addition to their offensive capabilities, Apache helicopters are critical for defensive operations. Their ability to fly long distances into hostile territory or hover above sensitive sites makes them invaluable in protecting cities and military installations. As drones continue to evolve into both reconnaissance tools and offensive weapons, Apaches are being retooled to counter this threat from the skies.
The U.S. and its allies are rapidly increasing their expertise in drone warfare. The Red Sands exercises, held at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia, showcased the ability of Apache helicopters to take out drones and featured a range of futuristic military technologies. From rifle-toting robot dogs to resupply quadcopters, the exercises focused on preparing for the challenges that unmanned systems present on the battlefield.
The message is clear: As drone warfare becomes a central element of modern conflict, the U.S. Army, its Apache helicopters, and its allies are adapting to meet the challenge. These training exercises are a critical step toward ensuring that aircrews can counter the growing threat of UAVs and protect against their deadly potential in future conflicts.
This week in aviation history
6 October 1983: the Bell Helicopter Company celebrated the first flight of the OH-58D Kiowa, an advanced reconnaissance helicopter developed from its predecessors, the OH-58A and OH-58C. This event marked a significant leap forward in the evolution of rotary-wing aircraft designed for military reconnaissance and light attack roles.
The OH-58D Kiowa was a product of innovation, featuring a four-bladed composite main rotor, a new engine and transmission, and upgraded avionics that distinguished it from earlier models. Perhaps its most notable characteristic was the spherical mast-mounted sight (MMS) sitting above the rotor, which housed a cutting-edge sighting system. This unique feature allowed the helicopter to remain concealed behind terrain or obstacles, exposing only its MMS to scout and identify targets—an invaluable capability during low-level, nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) flight operations, where pilots utilize natural cover to avoid detection.
Designed for two pilots, the Kiowa was engineered to operate effectively in the most challenging environments. With its four-bladed rotor, it delivered enhanced lift and agility compared to its two-bladed predecessors, enabling faster, more responsive flight. The OH-58D measured 42 feet 2 inches in length, with a rotor diameter of 35 feet, and stood 12 feet 10 inches tall. Its upgraded Rolls-Royce T703-AD-700A (Allison 250-C30R3) turboshaft engine provided 750 shaft horsepower, though the main transmission was capped at 637 horsepower for standard operations. Despite its compact size, the helicopter could carry significant firepower, including the M3P .50-caliber machine gun, rocket pods, or Hellfire missiles, making it a versatile and formidable asset in the U.S. Army's fleet.
The Kiowa was more than just a reconnaissance platform; it could strike with precision when necessary. This adaptability, along with its ability to scout without exposing itself to enemy fire, made it invaluable in both desert and forest terrains, where low-altitude flying and masking behind natural obstacles were often key to survival.
With a cruise speed of 95 knots and a range of 140 nautical miles when armed, the OH-58D Kiowa was effective in diverse missions, from surveillance and target designation to direct combat support. Though eventually phased out in favor of newer aircraft like the AH-64 Apache, the Kiowa played a critical role for decades in military operations, including the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its first flight in 1983 was a milestone that helped shape the future of military helicopter design and capabilities.
The OH-58D Kiowa will always be remembered for its stealth, adaptability, and role as the eyes and ears of the battlefield, quietly shaping military reconnaissance operations for over three decades.
In Case You Missed It
Since we are on the theme of helicopters:
Photo Outlet
A US Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter demonstrating a rescue operation during an air show
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog