War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

OH-58D (China)

2024-09-02T04:12:35Z

U126260387: OH-58D Top Speed Upgraded AB/RB+

{{About
| about = attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = OH-58D
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=oh_58d_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The ROCA purchased 39 [[OH-58D|OH-58D Kiowa Warriors]], known as the OH-58D戰搜直升機 (lit: combat reconnaissance helicopter), from the US in 1992 (26 purchased alongside a fleet of [[AH-1W (China)|AH-1Ws]]) and 1999 (13 helicopters assembled by AIDC), and deployed them in the only two helicopter companies in the ROCA and Army Aviation Training Command. Although two helicopters have crashed during their service since 1992 (in 2001 and 2020), the ROCA will likely continue to operate the OH-58D for a number of years, thanks to up to 12 years worth of spare parts bought from the US.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the ROCA OH-58D performs identically with its American counterpart, only lacking the option to equip the 30 mm grenade launcher or 7.62 mm Minigun. It has small dimensions, AIM-92 Stinger missiles, and countermeasure pods, aiding its survival in combat and somewhat mitigating the lack of armour. It also has a mast-mounted camera, allowing it to make good use of terrain or treetops to conceal itself, while the four AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles will make light work of any enemy ground vehicle.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}

The OH-58D is a reasonably nimble machine, fully researched it will be able to fly at a reasonable straight-line speed of up to 220 km/h in neutral flight and climb up to 7 m/s. While this is completely sufficient for use without notable shortcomings, it pales in comparison to the opposition at its BR, both within its own tech tree and outside. Though in turn this means when freshly bought, players may find its performance lacking.

One point of note is the Kiowa Warrior's ability fly evasive or performative manoeuvres. While it can make some impressive turns and even fly upside down, its flight model fails to compare against what players might have become used to on the first Z-9 model or any of its successors. All in all the OH-58D is a very average machine in terms of flight performance, by no means bad, but also nothing outstanding.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 215 || 203 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
|247.1||229.6
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}

Due to its nature of being an observation helicopter, there are very little need for extra protection other than the flak jacket for the pilots; this also means flying into the main combat area equals to kamikaze and should only be considered in dire situation.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between three presets:
** 36 x countermeasures
** 36 x countermeasures + Flak jackets
** 36 x countermeasures + Flak jackets + IRCM

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 12.7 mm GAU-19 machine gun (550 rpg)
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
* 2 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
* 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
* 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Small profile and agile, good for switching locations to hit enemies
* Mast mount cameras for minimal visibility to enemies
* Access to AIM-92 for self-defense against aircraft
* Powerful AGM-114K with good range
* Laser-guided rockets for precise hit on enemies

'''Cons:'''

* No extra protection
* Slower than PLAGF Aviation Corps counterparts
* Relatively low payload weight

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=oh_58d_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Vy3fyYWNToA|'''OH-58 Kiowa Warrior Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[OH-58D]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8452-development-oh-58d-headwatch-en|[Devblog] OH-58D: Headwatch]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{China helicopters}}

AH-1W (China)

2024-09-02T04:04:49Z

U126260387: Max Speed stock/ upgraded

{{About
| about = Chinese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ah_1w_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', commonly referred to by its nickname 超級眼鏡蛇 (Super Cobra), is one of the main attack helicopters of the ROCA. To upgrade the ROCA against any potential risks, Taiwan imported a number of AH-1Ws from the US to form the basis of their new attack helicopter brigades in 1992. With upgrades in the 2010s and an abundance of spare parts for up to 12 years, these helicopters are likely to continue being the main component of their helicopter fleet alongside the AH-64E Apache Guardian purchased in the early 2010s.

Introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]], the AH-1W has a number of welcome features, such as an onboard autocannon for soft targets, AIM-9Ls, and a large payload of Hellfire missiles. While it might not be as fast or effective in terms of air defence as its PLAGF counterparts, it still boasts high speed and good manoeuvrability, and can serve as a more flexible alternative to the Z-9 series. Additionally, the AH-1W is equipped with a MAW system which will automatically release countermeasures if a heat-seeking missile is launched at the helicopter, and an IRCM system creates jamming for IR missiles' seeker heads.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}

To further enhance the combat capabilities of the Super Cobra, instead of the standard single-engine on AH-1G/F/S, the Super Cobra has two instead; in this case, two General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engines for the AH-1W variant. This obviously make AH-1W vastly faster than its single-engine cousins and now, faster than its Z-9 Haitun counterparts in PLAGF service; it is heavier than the Z-9 series indeed as a dedicated attack helicopter, but it is not as heavy as "gunships" of Soviet Union/Russia, namely the Hind series.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
|265||251|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
|309.6||284.8
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}

The AH-1W is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

* Composite boron carbide- Kevlar seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1W compensates with its small size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and much less nimble in comparison. However, the AH-1W does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tzefa_A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[M197 (20 mm)|20 mm M197]] cannons (300 rpg)
| 1 || 1* || 1* || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
|-
! [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] missiles
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
|-
! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | * Air-to-ground missiles cannot be equipped with gunpods on the adjacent hardpoint
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

Thanks to the FCS upgrade for the AH-1W series, aside from conventional loadouts identical to AH-1S, AH-1W can now carry AAMs like AIM-9L while carrying more advanced AGM-114B Hellfire, as well as higher caliber Zuni rockets for ground attacks; leaving it more flexible than previous Cobra series.

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Pleasing armaments
** Fixed autocannon for taking down "soft" targets, a lacking feature for most PLAGF helicopters
** Powerful AIM-9L for higher kill-probability
** Sufficient secondary loadout for different tactics
* TVD for target acquisition
* More protected than PLAGF counterpart at similar tier
* IRCM equipment for more survivability
* Faster than Z-9 series

'''Cons:'''

* Less agile than PLAGF counterparts due to the weight
* Lacks more advanced optics with high magnification
* Only two AAMs available which calls for careful, planned launches for best chances
* Early wire-guided ATGM hinders combat capability

== History ==

By 1990s, ROCA only has UH-1H assembled by AIDC as their fleet of helicopters mostly for transport purpose; in view of the establishment of PLAGF Aviation Corps and modernization of ROCA for the potential outbreak of cross-strait war, ROCA "Army Aviation Command and Training Center" ('''陸軍航空指揮部暨航空訓練中心''') started the introduction of attack helicopters in 1992 alongside with their two new army aviation brigades and their [[OH-58D (China)|OH-58D]]. The deal was approved in February with 42 AH-1Ws and further 21 helicopters were delivered in 2001, totaled at 63 helicopters imported from US.

Although two helicopters (515; 526) and 4 of their crews were lost throughout its service in ROCA, due to the extremely high cost to replace all AH-1W with more advanced AH-64E and having sufficient spare parts for up to 12 years of use as disclosed in mid-2010s, the AH-1W will now serve alongside with its long-time partner OH-58D at Taichung Xinshe airfield by the '''602nd Aviation Brigade, Army Aviation and Special Forces Command''' to defend Central Taiwan if the worst scenario happens.

=== [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|Devblog]] ===
As the AH-1 Cobra entered service with the Army, the USMC expressed their interest in acquiring Cobras for their own use. However, these Cobras would have to be twin-engined and possess a more capable primary armament to meet the Marines' service requirements. Despite initial hesitation from the Department of Defense, the Marines received the go-ahead and proceeded with awarding Bell with a contract to produce 49 AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968.

Similarly to the Army, the USMC also perceived the AH-1 as an interim vehicle, until a more suitable replacement could be found. Whilst this replacement would come to the Army in the form of the AH-64 Apache, the USMC's request to upgrade their fleet with a naval version of the Apache would be met with disapproval by the Congress in 1981, thus forcing the Marines to look into other options. The decision was therefore made to upgrade the existing fleet with new AH-1W Super Cobras, which featured an improved fire control system and the ability to carry more advanced ordnance.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AH-1 (Family)]]
** [[AH-1W]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|[Devblog] AH-1W Super Cobra: The Venomous Marine]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{China helicopters}}

AH-1W (China)

2024-09-02T04:01:00Z

U126260387: /* Flight performance */ Max Speed stock/upgraded

{{About
| about = Chinese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ah_1w_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', commonly referred to by its nickname 超級眼鏡蛇 (Super Cobra), is one of the main attack helicopters of the ROCA. To upgrade the ROCA against any potential risks, Taiwan imported a number of AH-1Ws from the US to form the basis of their new attack helicopter brigades in 1992. With upgrades in the 2010s and an abundance of spare parts for up to 12 years, these helicopters are likely to continue being the main component of their helicopter fleet alongside the AH-64E Apache Guardian purchased in the early 2010s.

Introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]], the AH-1W has a number of welcome features, such as an onboard autocannon for soft targets, AIM-9Ls, and a large payload of Hellfire missiles. While it might not be as fast or effective in terms of air defence as its PLAGF counterparts, it still boasts high speed and good manoeuvrability, and can serve as a more flexible alternative to the Z-9 series. Additionally, the AH-1W is equipped with a MAW system which will automatically release countermeasures if a heat-seeking missile is launched at the helicopter, and an IRCM system creates jamming for IR missiles' seeker heads.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}

To further enhance the combat capabilities of the Super Cobra, instead of the standard single-engine on AH-1G/F/S, the Super Cobra has two instead; in this case, two General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engines for the AH-1W variant. This obviously make AH-1W vastly faster than its single-engine cousins and now, faster than its Z-9 Haitun counterparts in PLAGF service; it is heavier than the Z-9 series indeed as a dedicated attack helicopter, but it is not as heavy as "gunships" of Soviet Union/Russia, namely the Hind series.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
|265|| ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
|309.6|| ___
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}

The AH-1W is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

* Composite boron carbide- Kevlar seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1W compensates with its small size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and much less nimble in comparison. However, the AH-1W does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tzefa_A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[M197 (20 mm)|20 mm M197]] cannons (300 rpg)
| 1 || 1* || 1* || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
|-
! [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] missiles
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
|-
! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | * Air-to-ground missiles cannot be equipped with gunpods on the adjacent hardpoint
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

Thanks to the FCS upgrade for the AH-1W series, aside from conventional loadouts identical to AH-1S, AH-1W can now carry AAMs like AIM-9L while carrying more advanced AGM-114B Hellfire, as well as higher caliber Zuni rockets for ground attacks; leaving it more flexible than previous Cobra series.

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Pleasing armaments
** Fixed autocannon for taking down "soft" targets, a lacking feature for most PLAGF helicopters
** Powerful AIM-9L for higher kill-probability
** Sufficient secondary loadout for different tactics
* TVD for target acquisition
* More protected than PLAGF counterpart at similar tier
* IRCM equipment for more survivability
* Faster than Z-9 series

'''Cons:'''

* Less agile than PLAGF counterparts due to the weight
* Lacks more advanced optics with high magnification
* Only two AAMs available which calls for careful, planned launches for best chances
* Early wire-guided ATGM hinders combat capability

== History ==

By 1990s, ROCA only has UH-1H assembled by AIDC as their fleet of helicopters mostly for transport purpose; in view of the establishment of PLAGF Aviation Corps and modernization of ROCA for the potential outbreak of cross-strait war, ROCA "Army Aviation Command and Training Center" ('''陸軍航空指揮部暨航空訓練中心''') started the introduction of attack helicopters in 1992 alongside with their two new army aviation brigades and their [[OH-58D (China)|OH-58D]]. The deal was approved in February with 42 AH-1Ws and further 21 helicopters were delivered in 2001, totaled at 63 helicopters imported from US.

Although two helicopters (515; 526) and 4 of their crews were lost throughout its service in ROCA, due to the extremely high cost to replace all AH-1W with more advanced AH-64E and having sufficient spare parts for up to 12 years of use as disclosed in mid-2010s, the AH-1W will now serve alongside with its long-time partner OH-58D at Taichung Xinshe airfield by the '''602nd Aviation Brigade, Army Aviation and Special Forces Command''' to defend Central Taiwan if the worst scenario happens.

=== [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|Devblog]] ===
As the AH-1 Cobra entered service with the Army, the USMC expressed their interest in acquiring Cobras for their own use. However, these Cobras would have to be twin-engined and possess a more capable primary armament to meet the Marines' service requirements. Despite initial hesitation from the Department of Defense, the Marines received the go-ahead and proceeded with awarding Bell with a contract to produce 49 AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968.

Similarly to the Army, the USMC also perceived the AH-1 as an interim vehicle, until a more suitable replacement could be found. Whilst this replacement would come to the Army in the form of the AH-64 Apache, the USMC's request to upgrade their fleet with a naval version of the Apache would be met with disapproval by the Congress in 1981, thus forcing the Marines to look into other options. The decision was therefore made to upgrade the existing fleet with new AH-1W Super Cobras, which featured an improved fire control system and the ability to carry more advanced ordnance.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AH-1 (Family)]]
** [[AH-1W]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|[Devblog] AH-1W Super Cobra: The Venomous Marine]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{China helicopters}}