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AH-6 Little Bird vs OH-58 Kiowa

AH-6 Little Bird vs OH-58 Kiowa at a glance — top speed 282 vs 240 km/h, range 430 vs 260 km, max takeoff weight 1,610 vs 2,495 kg, built 1,420 vs 2,325 units.

Boeing AH-6 Little Bird military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-6 Little BirdFull specs
Bell OH-58 Kiowa military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 OH-58 KiowaFull specs
Specifications
AH-6 Little Bird OH-58 Kiowa
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing Bell
First flight 27 February 1963 8 December 1962
Year introduced 1980 1969
Number produced 1420 units 2325 units
Average unit price $7.5 million --
Wing area -- m² 89.4 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 10.7 m
Height 2.6 m 3.9 m
Length 9.2 m 12.9 m
Maximum speed 282 km/h 240 km/h
Operational range 430 km 260 km
Service ceiling 4,877 m 4,575 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,610 kg 2,495 kg
Empty weight 896 kg 1,737 kg
Total thrust 1 x 239 kW 1 x 485 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The AH-6 Little Bird is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 240 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a longer range at 430 km compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 260 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The AH-6 Little Bird has a higher service ceiling at 4,877 meters (16,000 ft) compared to the OH-58 Kiowa's 4,575 meters (15,009 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 2,495 kg compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa is longer at 12.8 meters compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 9.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa entered service first in 1969, 11 years before the AH-6 Little Bird which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-6 Little Bird or OH-58 Kiowa?
The OH-58 Kiowa has been produced in greater numbers with 2,325 units compared to 1,420 units of the AH-6 Little Bird.