OH-58 Block II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_OH-58_Kiowa

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-bell-starts-oh-58-block-ii-flight-demo-377946/

http://www.bellhelicopter.com/MungoBlobs/603/847/EN_OH-58D-BlockII_FactSheet.pdf

 

Is it different enough from the OH-58D that it needs an extra entry in the HUD-4 database?

 

ANW

HUD-4 v1.11

First off;

"Shortly before December 2012, the Army decided they would recommend proceeding with the AAS program"

 

That statement means the Block II has to win a competition before it will be purchased by the US Army. At this point Gunny, would be doing a bit of work for no gain and the possiblity of MORE work down the line. The Sikorsky entry and the EADS entry will likely be the First choices for the US Army.

 

I think it is safe to wait this one out for at least a few months to get a feel or more importantly a look at the actual RFP from the US Army to see what way they are leaning. Given Bell's shoddy work on the ARH-70 I doubt we will see Bell win this contract.

 

 

Oh And Secondly, It is close enough to the OH-58D+ Kiowa Warrior to not need a new entry (it would be a simple sensor swap once we know what new sensors will be used.)