Original Item. Only One Available. The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine single-rotor military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. It was produced by the American manufacturer Bell Helicopter and is closely related to the Model 206A JetRanger civilian helicopter. The OH-58 was originally developed during the early 1960s as the D-250 for the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH). While the rival Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was picked over Bell's submission in May 1965, the company refined its design to create the Model 206A, a variant of which it successfully submitted to the reopened LOH competition two years later. The initial model, designated by the service as the OH-58A, was introduced in May 1969. Successive models followed, often with uprated engines, enhanced protection systems, and other improvements, culminating in the OH-58F. Additional improvements, such as the OH-58X, were proposed but not pursued.

This is an outstanding display piece, the control stick and grip off of an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter mounted onto a wooden board. The display measures roughly 23” tall and the base measures 5 x 12 x 2 ¼”. There is a small slit near the end of the base for the attachment of a data plate. There is a small postcard sized card showing the OH-58 KIOWA inside it now, but it could be switched out with a well-made placard.

The grip is in great shape and all buttons are still functional and make noise when pressed in. The trigger retains its flip-up guard. There is maker mark present on the top portion of the textured side and the marking is a G in a Three Pointed Shield. This symbol is for the Guardian Electric Manufacturing Company. This company has supplied a wide range of electromechanical assemblies and motion control component lines such as solenoid valves, switches and relays. The switch types include thumb wheel, trigger, miniature, slide, rocker, pushbutton and toggle switches, everything that is present on the control grip.

There appears to be damage in the stick that may have been painted over. A great display piece that will fit well into any Vietnam War collection.

Ready for display!