Faced with tough budget decisions on new weapons programs, the U.S. Army appears to be delaying a decision on the $6- to $8 billion Armed Aerial Scout program while concurrently moving forward with the potential $100 billion joint multi-role (JMR) initiative. The move has major implications for the half-dozen civil helicopter manufacturers who have offered commercial, off-the-shelf AAS solutions, which the Army now has apparently dismissed, as it decides whether to pursue a totally new aircraft development program or a service life extension program (SLEP) for its aging fleet of Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warriors that could push their use through 2035. Both programs have major implications for future civil helicopter technology.
Currently, the Army is working on a cockpit (avionics) and sensor upgrade program (Casup) for the Kiowa that will be designated OH-58F. The first Casup-equipped OH-58F made its maiden flight on April 30 at the Redstone Arsenal, Ala. The OH-58F could see service through 2025. The aircraft features a nose-mounted sensor, in place of the mast-mounted one on the OH-58D, glass-panel avionics, updated wiring harnesses, improved survivability features, new hardware, software and communications. The changes shave 160 pounds from the aircraft compared to the OH-58D.
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