Bell
CH-136
Kiowa
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Before being phased out in 1995, the Kiowa was used primarily as a
LOH ( Light Observation Helicopter, pronounced 'lowch') helicopter. The last two Kiowas were flown to their resting home in Mountain View, Ontario, on the 4th of April, 1995, by Captain Eddie (R.M.) Haskins and Lieutenant. Dennis Haley of 408 Squadron, Edmonton, Alberta Interestingly enough, one of those two Kiowas was number 261 - Which I had the good fortune to get a ride in when I was with 408 Squadron, Edmonton, Alberta. You should have a second window popping up that contains a picture of me in front of 261 in February of 1995. 74 of the Kiowas were ordered in 1970 to replace the aging fleet of 44 Nomads and L-19's. It is essentially a military version of the Jet Ranger - but can be told apart because of the typically different paint schemes, and failing that, by the angled lower edge of the rear door's window which the Jet Ranger lacks. The two airframes both also have a wire-strike protection system installed, with the Kiowa's being put in place in the early 80's. Before being phased out officially on 31 March, 1995, the Kiowa was flown by 10TAG (10 Tactical Air Group). This single engine, single rotor helicopter was initially acquired to fill not only the LOH role, but also command and liaison, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and adjustment of fire. While the Canadian Air Force rarely operated in an offensive role, the Kiowa was capable of carrying a Mini-Tat GAU-2B/A 7.62mm aircraft machine gun, as you can see in the picture above. |
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© 2001 The RotorHead |
at 800 x 600 resolution http://www.rotorhead.org File: /military/kiowa.asp |
Last change: 4/9/2007 |