Kiowas Over Kandahar. Bandit Troop 1-6 CAV flying OH58D Kiowa Warrior

[@thewarthogproject]

Iraq 2004. We were a very small convoy. Two LAVs and two uparmoured landcruisers. A very long story short we ended up somewhere we probably shouldn't have been inside fkn sadr city. Tension was getting really fucking high. Looking back I think the only reason we hadn't got lit up and likely overrun is because the bad guys were so fkn surprised and shocked that we were that far in, they just hadn't planned for it. Lots of movement, I'm literally seeing rpk barrels peaking over the top of the buildings towering above us, and civilians eventually start leaving. We didn't call for them, but out of nowhere two of these Kiowas must have just been on patrol and saw us. They started a bunch of kick ass show of force flights dropping flares right above us. Followed us out of the city and then gave us an escort at antenna top height all the way back to the green zone. I had a raging battle fat the entire time. No idea who those guys were (we tried to find out but got nowhere) but I have no doubt you saved lives that day. Probably mine. Absolute legends.

[@jaybird3310]

There’s a mentality that was beat into Kiowa Warrior pilots from flight school until they retired the airframe. In our community, the ground forces came first. We would put our selves at risk no matter what the threat was to make sure the boots on the ground accomplished their missions and got back to the FOBs safely whenever possible. We constantly shopped for work after our planned missions were done because we had more time to support during our duty days. It’s something I really appreciate now that I fly different airframes. That mentality, passing it along to the younger generation. It meant everything to us, and hearing these kids of stories reinforces it even more!

[@playeruser-q3j]

did u serve warthog?

[@thewarthogproject]

@@playeruser-q3j the story above would suggest yes my friend

[@quackgarage9551]

That was pretty cool. Thanks for sharing and i'm glad it turned out ok, hope you're doing well nowadays :))

[@brentdale5730]

@@playeruser-q3jAre you stupid?

[@stryker1176]

Arghandab River Valley 1-17 INF (5-2 SBCT) 09-10, supported/ protected by 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd CAB. Call Sign Shamus. In case you didn't know, we grunts loved and respected our Kiowa pilots and swore ya'll were heaven sent. We had a Lt. who had stepped on a buried pressure plate and was in a bad way. After a delay in a Medavac, "Shamus" landed their bird and the co-pilot got out and strapped the Lt. in, inorder to evac him and was ready to spend the night with the grunts in valley. Luckily the blackhawk arrived just about then and the co-pilot was able to jump back in. In another incident I recall we had been in sustained contact for hours and "Shamus" had run both their rockets and guns dry. We were still taking pretty good small arms fire from a compound when we look up to see a Kiowa circiling the compound and one of the pilots hanging out the door pumping 5.56 down on the enemy. Im sure they could hear our cheers. Kiowas, the last true cowboys/cowgirls.

[@jaybird3310]

Love hearing these stories! So many buddies were in 1-17, so I will pass that along to them!

[@Thawhitestguyeva]

8-1 cav in the house. Stryke first

[@isaac-vb1ng]

Talk about balls of steel, everything I hear about Kiowa pilots is V for valor material

[@russellwilliams4317]

I helped unload x2 Kiowas from a transport aircraft in the ME. Some buddies and myself befriended the crews and had a few good nights with them before we had to move on. A week later the same crews were sent to support us and most def. saved us in a valley outside Hejran. I can not describe the view we had seeing them soar over the hills guns blazing! Heroes, every single one of them.

[@colintillery2805]

Thank you for service and bravery. 🫡

[@jaybird3310]

Flying like we owned the wild Wild West was the best part of the job!

[@jaybird3310]

I'm am glad that people enjoy seeing this. making this video was really and attempt at preserving the amazing capability that this tiny helicopter really provided those guys on the ground. We did what we did for you! Nothing more, nothing less. You had the hard job, we just wanted to make sure you got home at the end of the day. SCOUTS OUT, AIR CAV!

[@HughGrekshin88]

Pilots and their fur collars and ugg boots, and pumpkin spice Copenhagen

[@Wolfkin18]

I'm glad to say this helo is coming to Digital Combat Simulators, so it's heritage won't be forgotten soon.

[@STARMedic28]

Until we meet upon Fiddlers Green....

[@GWOTUSMC0311]

Thanks guys. I was in Iraq in 04 my first tour and I remember some forward route recon was done for us by Kiowas while my unit was pushing north. Truly appreciate it. Semper Fi.

[@Wolfkin18]

@@GWOTUSMC0311 I wonder how many lives they saved.

[@IcanDriveIt]

I was in a Stryker brigade in the arghandab in 2013. We were doing a clearing operation on a small abandoned village near FOB Frontenac when two Kiowas came on station and asked if we wanted some air cover. My Stryker was on a hill overlooking the village and those two kiowas buzzed us several times like 20ft above our truck. It was awesome! We hit them up on the BFT telling them thanks for the show. They hit us back a few hours later “we aim to please” 😂🤘🏼

[@jaybird3310]

I mean it very well could have been us depending on the month in 2013!

[@IcanDriveIt]

@@jaybird3310 if memory serves, it was around June-July

[@jaybird3310]

⁠yeah that would of been us. 1/6 CAV SQN. Callsign would have been Stetson, Bandit, or Crusader.

[@IcanDriveIt]

@@jaybird3310 I wish I could remember. Bandit sounds right but I can’t be sure. Thanks for watching our backs out there! If you get In contact with one of your old buddies that remembers thanking us on the BFT, that would be wild! I tell that story often

[@citadelchase8858]

​@@jaybird3310 Could you imagine a veteran helicopter pilot of the Soviet Afghanistan war watching this?

[@daveadams4402]

For some reason this just popped up on recommendation and I love it. All of my pictures/video were lot when my laptop was stolen after coming home from deployment so it is always great to see these. Same place even.

[@jaybird3310]

Dave Adams I’m Glad you found my video then!

[@silasbland4515]

Just saw this video as well. If we only had GoPros 16 years ago, we would probably have got you guys a lot more quality video . I'm still flying in the region, but I miss my Kiowa Warrior.

[@frankjohnson6646]

I love how every Kiowa pilot fly's it like he stole it.. :)

[@yourmomsdildo3938]

Can you blame them? That thing is so badass in action live. Loved seeing those things show up.

[@jaybird3310]

I mean, they gave me the keys, what did they expect?!?!

.......I'm pretty sure some of the footage was sped up.

[@warn0245]

Exactly.

[@chrisfullwood6643]

I just picked up the kiowa for DCS. while nothing of course compared to the real thing, but it is as close as i would ever get. absolutely love flying it. the feeling of being right there on the edge in the bird. zipping around with it. cannot wait for some missions to pop up to allow us to employ this sweet weapon system. To bad the AI pretty much sucks in DCS though. Excellent videos though! keep them coming.

[@xiso]

This gives me goose bumps. So many memories. ♥ I just stroll by from time to time to watch this and have a good time.

[@jaybird3310]

Glad you’ve enjoyed it!

[@nightgoon_0_0]

Nothing touched my feels more than having these guys flying 200ft overhead conducting rout recon for us in the, Arghandab.

[@jaybird3310]

I'm am glad that people enjoy seeing this. making this video was really and attempt at preserving the amazing capability that this tiny helicopter really provided those guys on the ground. We did what we did for you! Nothing more, nothing less. You had the hard job, we just wanted to make sure you got home at the end of the day. SCOUTS OUT, AIR CAV!

[@jaybird3310]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@forrestluce4777]

Amen. Arghandab 09. They were a God send.

[@exsanguinenation]

Awesome video! Looks like a lot of living packed into a short period. Love the smokes and carbine stashed on the panel. It's a reminder that you are never too far from being touched, yourself.

[@douglashaggerty8002]

12,000plus combat hours supporting 2 ACR convoys and killing bad guys. 27 AH-64's in RC South all broke for 3 weeks and 15 OH-58's held all CAS for RC South. Brigade reported 1-6 cav flying hours as percentage to stop embarrassing the 64's The greatest time I ever had being the night TI for countless PMS's and crazy maintenance during this rotation and miss every single bit of it. Great pilots to come back home to watch some get handed pink slips and watch good people go to waste for ARI. That squadron ball was sad but a blast when we got home. The best time I had in the Cav was during this rotation with only those people when the rest of the squadron left us with TF Gunfighter. This took me back....way back. My Chinook chiefs will never understand what it was like being a 15S during these times. I'd go back and relive it if I could.

[@jaybird3310]

I couldn’t of said it any better. This was the time that will stick with me the most memorable. Those who kept us flying, the pilots, and everyone attached to 1-6 there were true pros and great people to work with.

[@sykotykplays]

I will forever be grateful that I landed in 1-17 CAV and got to fall in love with these birds. If you aint CAV....

[@jaybird3310]

When were you there?

[@LA-ep2nr]

“You ain’t.”

[@sykotykplays]

@@jaybird3310 2011-2015

[@jaybird3310]

Oh yeah. A bunch of my buddies were there from 1-6 for the end of the KW days. Then they retired or switched to AHs.

[@sykotykplays]

@@jaybird3310 id probably remember them, i did all their records 😅 and their tdy

[@breman298]

Cool video! I remember you guys with the Kiowas without doors :) I flew dutch Chinooks out of Kaf on 4 tours between '05 and '10. Nice seeing some of the landmarks again, thanks!

[@kanarks4165]

I deployed with this unit I was Charlie troop! 1-6 Aircav!!!!!! Good ol days! I Just don’t miss the poo pond lol! And yup seeing those pilots at the chow hall really brought back memories!

[@jaybird3310]

Crusader was with us the whole time almost!

[@rcbif101]

3:11 - those hooks in the center of the windscreen - I have the same exact ones in some old surplus post office lockers at home. Damn good universal hooks, lol

[@Son.of.4rt]

i didnt deploy infantry 2011-2014 but was tomb guard and QRF for DC these have helped with my depression for some reason. love it man

[@jaybird3310]

Glad you’re enjoying them!

[@Ekalb2000]

Great job! Loved Kandahar, 2014-2015. Down at Dwyer in 2019. A helo unit rocked it down there as well.

[@jaybird3310]

It’s a really cool area of the globe to be, if you’re armed 😂

[@xsolidice]

The infantry of of the air.. My buddy left the air force to join the Army to fly Kiowas. Talking about flying low enough to be shooting with an M4 out the side of the pilot seat. Crazy fuckers

[@warn0245]

I'm old enough to remember when the Kiowa pilots didn't have the chain guns, just the rocket launchers...and they didn't keep an M4 on the dashboard, but a big assed M16A2 ...didn't matter...did the same thing, hang out the side, enty any and ever magazine....even if that meant hovering for a few secs, so teh co-pilot could get out on the skids.

[@slammedmkv8825]

Thanks for the awesome content. Loved having you boys around when I was over there on the ground. Really sad when they decommissioned all of them.

[@emiliokline6135]

My dad was a Kiowa pilot. Peacekeeper in Bosnia around 95.

[@jaybird3310]

Old school. That’s awesome though. I bet he has some amazing stories as well.

[@King_of_simps7]

I seen a pair of these fly over me in wyoming a couple months ago. I always see these doing sorties in the mtns of colo

[@jaybird3310]

Probably not these. Possibly MH-6s or the older versions OH-58A/C but there are none currently flying in the United States. Not since 2015.

[@King_of_simps7]

@@jaybird3310 that's weird. They're registered as okawa's on the flight path. Hmmm. Maybe a different version indeed

[@ddyodaman5515]

Great capture! Thanks to all who put themselves on the line for the USA!

[@justme197511]

U.S.A.

[@colintillery2805]

My dad was a CW2 and used to pilot one of these and I remember when i was about 5 or 6 years old he let me sit in the cockpit of his OH-58D Kiowa. This was back in like ‘07 or ‘08.

[@jaybird3310]

That’s cool that you got to do that. My 8yo has been in the cockpit of these and the OH58-A/C but now he prefers to go to the AH64 Simulator with dad and shoot things lol

[@ajl9791]

What a view! Amazing weapons platform ...amazing pilots is an understatement. Trained with you guys on the ground ,503rd light infantry Korea early 2000’s. My dream helicopter... wished I was carving through the mountains with ya. “Fighting sixth” you guys rock 🇺🇸

[@stefanosemisa9288]

So nice! This video is amazing, what a great great adventure and experience, I'm sure!

[@jaybird3310]

It was!

[@Jax6104]

My cousins son is in the video. The one that points left and right, near the end. Gotta love my family. I do.

[@jaybird3310]

Mark???

[@logs4708]

⁠@@jaybird3310is that Vester?

[@dougmate2378]

still one of my all time airframes out of 33 I have worked on.

[@MD-eo2wy]

This popped up in my recommended and it was my unit! SPC DANFORTH checkin in!!!! Sick footage!!!

[@jaybird3310]

Always good to see a former crew dog!!!

[@brianbright7501]

Thank you all that serve for keeping us safe here in the states. E#very member of the armed forces a hero in my book. thanks again

[@vfr-andy3133]

Used to see you guys flying everyday at KAF. Great to chat to you :-) We were the Brits driving the open top Jackals around :-) Great video thank you very much.

[@jaybird3310]

VFR-Andy your DFAC was the best! Fish and Chips and Malt vinegar, I can almost smell it now!

[@vfr-andy3133]

@@jaybird3310 And we loved yours, the one opposite the JDOC was my favourite. We tried to go to a different one every day. Great times. In a strange way i miss it :-)

[@jaybird3310]

I agree! It a a place I never thought I’d miss but yet I do. Probably more the bonds with the people we fought aided by side with. Did you ever do the Far East DFAC that has the stir fried rice for dinner? Yummm

[@choprjock]

@@jaybird3310 Glad to hear that the Army upgraded their chow. I used to be ecstatic if I could get my hands on a can of C-Rats beanie wienies, or a can of fruit cocktail. Love the video, BTW. Low level flying was definitely a lot of fun.

[@lc582]

(Came up on my feed almost 10 years after being posted.) Love it!

[@jaybird3310]

Well glad to see it’s still making the rounds! And I’ve added quite a bit of newly discovered videos.

[@streetfightinmanrs]

2007 near Taji and 2008 near Sumerall, I was in B 4/9 IN and we were supported by 4/6 Air Cav a few times. Once near Taji, we had an MGS destroyed by a deep bury. The building nearby started opening up and some Kiowas came in and blasted the building with 2.75s and .50 cal. It was awesome watching it under NODs. Later, near Sumerall, we had a bongo take off after shooting at us. It may have got away from our Strykers, but it got blasted by another 4/6 Air Cav Kiowa. I think the pilot was Ms. Crandall. After the deployment, my buddy ended up dating one of the ATCs. We ended up getting invited to the 2008 ball. I was the only PFC Infantryman there and I got a photo with a few of the pilots, including Ms. Crandall.

[@jaybird3310]

Love hearing stories like these!!

[@jmjones7897]

Outstanding

[@zealousideal]

Yep I was on hawks there in 2006. I remember all that terrain and those same terrain features. 😎🤙🏽

[@wurger13]

The D looks so much better than the C’s we had when I was in... Thanks for serving and posting this vid!

[@jaybird3310]

My Pleasure! And I flew them all, A, B, and Cayenne.

[@houseofrandomness]

A bit late to the party.... I missed out on the kiowa game. Just after I left drum the unit (2/25 atk) went to hood to transfer from cobras to the delta. Best memories were the gunneries, and the deployments to the mog, and haiti. I did get lucky enough to get about 5 mins stick time in a 58 during a test flight in Somalia. Great video, regardless!!

[@jaybird3310]

That’s awesome!

[@DevilDolphin734]

One of my favorites, it never should have been decommissioned

[@jaybird3310]

Kickstand agree!!!

[@charliecandela7308]

@jaybird3310 i served with the 1st when they received the first D models. Loved crewing those birds. 762 was mine. We called ourselves the bandits

[@jaybird3310]

This was Bandit Troop 1/6 CAV.

[@Keklord_]

Man flying that must have been such an experience, Makes me sad i'll never experience flying with no doors :)

[@m118lr]

Keklord ..closest I had it were ‘pistons’, Schweizer 300’s and 269’s (I WOULD count the R22 but..)

[@12b_engineer]

great first song for this.

[@artist8_8]

This had to be the best job in the world man, awesome footage!

[@jaybird3310]

It was the best job I’ve ever had. But the Apache is pretty sick too!

[@keithwhisman]

I’m glad to see the Army using the Kiowa the way it was originally intended to be used instead of as a generals jeep.

[@jaybird3310]

Unfortunately the Army isn’t using them at all now. We flew the last ones to the boneyard in 2015. Any Kiowas still flying belong to Taiwan, Croatia, Tunisia, or Greece. They purchased them after we retired them. Sad sad days.

[@keithwhisman]

@@jaybird3310 that sucks.

[@sabercruiser.7053]

Thnx men best video ever 🤲🤲👍👍

[@pezjr1157]

Im a Y/J, seeing this vid makes me miss working and loading the 58 way more than I should. It was such a good acft, and reliable. Great vid! Btw, we replaced you guys in 14. Small world lol

[@jaybird3310]

pEzJr115 I’m assuming Tennessee NG?

[@jamessmith5425]

love the Mark 1 target dots on the fwd windscreen....

[@mdcoomer67]

Mark 1 eyeballs need all the help they can get.

[@jaybird3310]

Those Dry erase markers were an essential asset on this deployment! But they worked wonders!

[@boonieandtheyank5639]

@@jaybird3310 Is it because the actual sight is crap? I heard that on DCS sub reddit.

[@jaybird3310]

Boonie And The Yank there isn’t an actual sight per say. There was symbology on the weapons page however too look down and line it all up when you’re flying meant you weren’t looking outside. Pretty difficult to ensure you’re pulling up while in a dive if you’re focused on getting symbology correct on a page instead of having it right up on the windscreen.

[@boonieandtheyank5639]

@@jaybird3310 I see! I thought it was something similar to the huey sights. Nevertheless, awesome video glad you shared it with us.

[@patkelly465]

Thanks for sharing JS. Unfortunately I lost TBs of my videos. Keep it alive brother. AFC!!

[@jaybird3310]

I’ve got so much stuff that’ll be getting posted so hopefully it’ll keep her alive for ever! Plus, all the DCS releases coming for the OH58D has a lot of people re-visiting a lot of the vids!

[@DisguisedHawk-eu5jv]

@@jaybird3310 been flying it since release, its been a blast! i fly a lot on the fantastic grayflag servers... hope to see you up some tim. perhaps you can help me understand how to make and utilize target points effectively😅

[@DisguisedHawk-eu5jv]

also... was just telling my squadron we should try to make some of these stories in the comments here into missions of some sort

[@roguereaper1330]

Damn that music choice is perfect.

[@jaybird3310]

Appreciate the comment and view!

[@JohnEBowling]

What’s is the music info from this video?I enjoyed it as well as the video.

[@WebberAerialImaging]

Always wondered what makes it AHIP...now I know. Our Charlie models didn't have a coat hook on the center pillar.

[@daveshaw9344]

I'd love to see some of these videos you shot without any music, just the sounds of the helicopter choppin air! Just a suggestion cheers

[@jaybird3310]

Dave Shaw I’ll see what I can do about uploading the B roll footage without music

[@leefithian3704]

That being said ...the music was awesome choice shit too 👌

[@MIckveli2]

LOVE IT,PLUS GREAT MUSIC.!

[@ThisPartIsAndrew]

Great soundtrack and good video editing

[@LuisFelipy]

Can't wait this little beast for DCS World.

[@boonieandtheyank5639]

For. Real.

[@jep1103]

Still waiting 🙄

[@montellwilliams811]

Perfect , music for the JOB 👈 where is JASON B. 👌👍

[@montellwilliams811]

@@jep1103 say , do you know the name of the music band ? 👀 👂

[@jep1103]

@@montellwilliams811 sorry no

[@corpsmitty]

Was that MNBTK in Uruzgan at around 8:55?

[@jaybird3310]

It was TK yes.

[@corpsmitty]

@jaybird3310 I was there in 2013, the base was pretty much empty back then as we were closing up shop. As far as bases went there, that one was one of my favorites. Got to hang with the Aussies all day. Always cool to see shit online about it.

[@jaybird3310]

Yeah this was one of the last months before it was basically abandoned. We would run up there occasionally and get fuel and food if we were In the AO, but once it was gone, FOB Apache was about as far as we’d run to the north.

[@punkinguy8650]

what purpose do the smoke signal grenades in the cockpit serve? awesome video btw

[@jaybird3310]

Ways to mark things for Medevac, ground units (such as enemy, IEDs, etc) and even other air assets.

[@johnvandyke4524]

Warms the heart of this old A and C model trooper. Dtrp 1/10 CAV, 4th ID.

[@jaybird3310]

John Van Dyke I was an IP in A/C Kiowas at flight school while I waited to transition to the AH64 when ARI happened and the Kiowa warrior was retired. The A\C Kiowa is what sold me on the D model when I went through Basic Warfighter Skills. She was a blast as well to fly.

[@timpani1950]

Great music and video!!

[@rafman016]

New Kiowa fan onboard after watching this! 👍🍻

[@jaybird3310]

John Manson always like showing her off. Just wished we had more time with her.

[@jomomma8754]

That's a cute RC helicopter. Just dropping some love from the 60 guys

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

Nothing but respect for those guys though👍

[@get2dachoppa249]

That's a light sling load. Just dropping some love from the -47 bubbas.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

Dirty Hookers!

[@toejam7606]

Whats the Quinoa chopper do... Nice sim setup btw

[@jaybird3310]

It is a Scout Attack helicopter, designed to be down in the fight with the ground units, as well as being a forward observer way in front of the front lines, acting as a knife fighter.

[@project_poor_runner]

Whoever flew OH-58’s under Longknife in 2010, Zhari Afghanistan… thanks for your support. B Co , 1-502nd, 101st Airborne Division

[@duxf4n897]

Awesome! Thanks for the memories. -Banshee89

[@jaybird3310]

Hawaii?

[@duxf4n897]

@@jaybird3310 Most of my time was at FTCKY.

[@rise-amorph8178]

Thanks for the air support gentleman🇺🇸👍💀

[@bulletstop100]

In my first duty assignment I got to work on the C. Scouts out !!

[@PinChE_LoCo]

Did 1-6 cav help support a base in shinwar after an attack? In January 4 2014 ?

[@jaybird3310]

Yessir

[@PinChE_LoCo]

@jaybird3310 what troop and pilots was it ? I was 1 of the Infantrymen that stopped the assault element at the breach. To make things more weird I was your tech supply with SPC Sims . I had reclassed to Infantry during my deployment in Iraq back in 2010-11. I know weird coincidence. It even surprised me giving the fact that I hated 1-6 CAV .

[@jaybird3310]

@@PinChE_LoCo it was Bandit troop and Crusader troop pilots. I’m not giving names in a public forum unfortunately.

[@PinChE_LoCo]

@jaybird3310 if you're still in contact with them. Just tell them that their tech supply beat them to that fight and took the taliban out. ✌🏽😁

[@jaybird3310]

@@PinChE_LoCo will do

[@mikeschlup5279]

I have always wanted an explanation of the gauges on start up..

[@jaybird3310]

Remind me next time you see me and I’ll gladly explain what I can remember 😂

[@ttpechon2535]

Man what I would have DONE to fly the Kiowa! Guess the Apache will have to do 😆 Just 2 years till I can join up Looks like you had lots of fun over there man; thanks for your service

[@jaybird3310]

It was a real pleasure. The KW was a great platform to work with during GWOT. Crazy reliable, easy to maintain(thanks to amazing maintainers), and as close to Vietnam style flying as we could get. But the Apache is a great bird too. I was pleasantly surprised with how agile it is even with the size difference. And there is nothing quite like pulling the trigger and feeling the cannon firing rounds down range underneath your seat. Appreciate the support!

[@everythingviral972]

Get in while you can. The US Army wants to reduce their fleet of 25+ models of helicopters down to 5, and so far 2 of the 5 aren't actual helos, they are tiltrotor aircraft, like the Osprey.

[@deedubs602]

Love the light attack helis. such a badass looking bird after the military gets ahold of it...

[@sempermilites87]

If it wasn't for my bad eye sight, I would have tried my heart out to get into the cockpit of these ugly angels. Continue giving hope to the soldiers on the ground brave pilots.

[@jaybird3310]

sempermilites87 we miss flying her every day. Apaches are cool but they just aren’t the same. Hopefully the Greeks and Croatians can continue her proud legacy!!!

[@Justslothin]

This is god damned cool. Fuck I wish I had out in a woc packet. Thanks for uploading !

[@Capt_OscarMike]

@ 1:27 anyone know why the lead vehicle stopped...Looked like an EOD team looking up and definitely their rig....amazing if someone was able to spot that if that is what this is vs a flat tire....

[@jaybird3310]

I don’t recall specifically, but there were plenty of times where we would spot something suspicious and notify the convoy commander so they could send out a robot or give us a chance to do a little more recon on the area. Sometimes there would be a group of people in vehicles that resembled potential VBIEDs as well. Motorcycles left on the side of the road had ball bearings and explosives strapped to them, trash piles, newly repaired road sections, etc. you would be surprised how many times we even found the command wires from the sky that lead to the guy holding the detonator.

[@Capt_OscarMike]

@@jaybird3310 Thanks...I posted the link to this video on a video that was posted from a channel called, HIP NEWS, that focuses on DCS primarily.... One of the prominant long time Community members is one of your collegues that I never knew he flew KIOWAS...he flew them in IRAQ and was shot/wounded during a mission.... I stumbled across a video he posted about the incident and noticed his helmet in the background then learned they were a Kiowa when he was opened up on... His channel is CASMOS TV... He may have been a few years ahead of you or even an instructor of yours...no clue... Anyway, appreciate the response (also apologize for the novel lengthed prior post)... Take Care

[@jaybird3310]

Very familiar with Casmo! I haven’t ever met him personally, but he and one of my former Squadron Commanders served together at Fort Bragg as Kiowa pilots. He interviewed him not too long ago and I spoke to them then. Great channel and a real DCS junkie! Love his channel.

[@unorthdoxcleric6953]

Fucing yeah man this kicks ass. I always wished I had gone in the army

[@jaybird3310]

It’s been a good ride for the past 15 years.

[@airraptor]

I kinda miss being over there.

[@jaybird3310]

I do on the daily. A place I never wanted to be, has become one of the places I miss the most.

[@fluffybum2]

I loved your choice of accompanying music. Would have liked to see a list of who you used in the film.

[@jaybird3310]

Garry Hodson Chevelle: family system, Rise Against: Satellite, and the rest should be in the credits if you expand the info below the video.

[@fluffybum2]

@@jaybird3310 thank you very much Jaybird

[@transport390]

whats the reason for some pilots wearing the chunky mouth piece along with the helmet? like at 10:52

[@jaybird3310]

Some pilots like the face shield which was useful for times we hang our heads out the door. Blocked the wind so our mics still were intelligible. But some people just wear them because they look cool when painted.

[@transport390]

@@jaybird3310 oh! nice one mate thanks for the info! great video

[@zwounk7712]

4:47 DAD?! DAD IS THAT YOU?!

[@jimmyardavanis6237]

We have received odd 70 in Greece, presume they will be put to good use"" "" ""

[@Parabueto]

I really like the Kiowa. Advanced recon pod able to lase targets for other aircraft or it's own guided weapons. For everything else there's a dot of grease on the windscreen XD Does make sense though. More crap ip front the less you can actually see, which is the whole point...

[@pootmahgoots8482]

04:40 Apache: "Ohai there, little fella."

[@chrisfree8309]

I was hoping to find the footage of the Kiowa that was shot down over Tal Afar that we had to rescue in Sept 2004. No worries. Cool stuff.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

Chris Free it’s on KZbin. A documentary was made I believe.

[@gorodetzers]

We fight to win with the best personal on the planet

[@JG-615]

NEVER FORGET !!! 🕆🕆🕆

[@Slippindisc]

I see that grease pencil on the window in some of these! You guys would zero over at Sabre range before coming onto station when I was in northern Iraq. Love these birds

[@jaybird3310]

It wasn’t always the easiest way to get the job done, but once you figured out your mark, it was pretty impressive how accurate some of the pilots would be.

[@Slippindisc]

@@jaybird3310 were you ever in northern Iraq?

[@montellwilliams811]

Perfect music , for the JOB 👈

[@Rrrakanishu]

Air Cav are some of the most badass mfkers on this planet.

[@fb3938]

very nice video !! .. I'm curious, what is a = b? ..(If you can tell). I'm a Md 500 pilot in the Argentine air force. I used to write a codeword on the windshield, frequencies or callsign .. congratulations for the experiences that are seen in the video.

[@jaybird3310]

It was ATIS info from the airfield we departed daily in Afghanistan.

[@fb3938]

@@jaybird3310 thanks for your answer! never drop a grenade from a helicopter. being in Antarctica with a bell 212 almost pointed a lz in the snow throwing one ... but finally it was not necessary. Is there any risk of hitting the TR with the lever? regards!

[@SkidsUpAviation]

Love the video!

[@jaybird3310]

Thanks brother.

[@SkidsUpAviation]

@@jaybird3310 Yes sir! Absolutely inspired by your videos! I’m a civilian commercial helicopter pilot, trying to go to national guard to become an Army Aviator.

[@jaybird3310]

Well good luck to you! I work with the NG aviation units a lot. Great people! Which state?

[@SkidsUpAviation]

@@jaybird3310 Indiana

[@jaybird3310]

I know a bunch of people with the 38th. I have a former KW buddy who is a MAJ there. I’m actually going to be at CAIN the first two weeks of June.

[@RGK86ARMY]

😫😫😫 I miss these damn things.

[@jaybird3310]

So do I, So do I!

[@tuloko16]

I did the trail of tears on 2015 from ga to az. It was heart braking after 20 yrs with the kw’s. My favority is the shovel nose i model.

[@gloucesterdavid]

I miss working on this Aircraft.

[@jaybird3310]

I miss flying that bird. The replacement is a killing machine for sure, but flying doors off was the best!

[@HughGrekshin88]

Because yer ghey!

[@tuloko16]

I miss doing mast torqe cal’s on these things. I have a few pieces of knuckes missing fron getting too close to the pc links.

[@rise-amorph8178]

Hopefully the future vertical lift program can stand up to the name of its predecessors

[@gogofuntime_yt]

Wow this is some incredible footage! Just curious, willing to tell about any close calls? Accident or enemy?

[@jaybird3310]

Only one I’m willing to discuss is one time a newer pilot in command I was flying with got target fixated and while in a dive, I had to smack his chest hard, to get him to pull up before we became one with the ground. Recovered around 5-10 feet. I may or may not of also had a major electrical fire that forced me to land and get picked up by a SOF team in AFG as well.

[@sanfranciscobay]

Is the Kiowa Helicopter the only US military helicopter where the co-pilot keeps his rifle on the dashboard and is taught to shoot from the door while flying?

[@jaybird3310]

SanFranciscoBay we were the only airframe not counting Special operations that was considered a single pilot aircraft which allowed us to do dismounted recon and/or door engagements from the cockpit. May or may not have dropped flash bangs and frag grenades in support of some customers as well....

[@sanfranciscobay]

@@jaybird3310 Is the Kiowa helicopter usually flown with a pilot and co-pilot? Is there a bracket or a holster that holds the rifle on the dashboard or are they just resting on it? Is the pilot in the right seat taught to shoot the rifle while flying or is it usually the co-pilot in the left seat who does the shooting with the rifle?

[@jaybird3310]

We don’t fly it anymore so usually is relevant to the past. But both pilots in the aircraft have rifles and they are always dash mounted.

[@sanfranciscobay]

@@jaybird3310 is there a helicopter that replaced the Kiowa where the pilot and co-pilot carry rifles and shoot out the door?

[@tuloko16]

jaybird3310 you forgot may of may have not shot your rotor disc or rocket pot too. Lol.

[@emiliokline6135]

If you got the time the time Jay there is an on going project for a flight simulator called X plane 11 where a guy needs Kiowa pilots help to release a kwarrior for the sim. Ya interested?

[@jaybird3310]

I believe I spoke to him.

[@vermillion.__-_.]

now this guy has good music taste!!

[@زهرالربيع-غ9ح]

What places did you work in Iraq?

[@jaybird3310]

Never made it to Iraq. Just Afghanistan.

[@alpiinoo135]

Nice!

[@TymphaRedbreaduwuowo]

the fuel quality has me concerned...

[@jaybird3310]

That was the fuel quantity, and it just takes the aircraft running up for the displays to catch up. Don't you worry, we always had a full tank of gas!

[@hasans3932]

What is the music played in this video

[@NicknNLD]

hasan ş someone plz music list

[@NicknNLD]

hasan ş 4:40 Rise Against - Satellite

[@hasans3932]

R.Dutch What is the song playing in first?

[@NicknNLD]

hasan ş extreme ways - moby

[@hasans3932]

thank you :)

[@jasons44]

Good journey dude

[@jaybird3310]

Thanks man, it was a blast. I would go back and do it again in a heart beat!

[@50shadesofcerakote]

i wanted to fly these so bad in highschool then they retired them... next best thing was the littlebirds... ended up getting a job where i fly in them and check powerlines.. haha but its no where near what yall were doing over there. flying with the doors off is fun though.

[@jaybird3310]

Kyle Brehm it was a great time. Miss the old girl Every day. But those MD bloodlines are still very very close.

[@50shadesofcerakote]

@@jaybird3310 yeah but as far as i know, only the 160th is flying them..

[@everythingviral972]

The little bird is a better helicopter that carries the exact same munitions except more of them. Oh and it can carry the 3 barrel gatling style .50cal. Kiowas are fucking awesome though,

[@InversoSk3lo]

Reminds me of the Crusty Demons videos I used to watch.