Astra in Quinte West in Hastings County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
CH-136 Kiowa
Bell
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 12, 2025
1. CH-136 Kiowa Marker
The Bell Kiowa (RCAF designated CH-136) was built in Fort Worth, Texas. It was the military version of the civilian Bell Ranger helicopter and was used for reconnaissance, observation, target acquisition, personnel transport and adjustment of fire. It carried two pilots or a pilot and an observer, plus two passengers. It was small, with a single, lightweight Allison engine and one rotor with two blades and a range of 482 km. It could fly low and fast, and because of this, the first ones had a serious problem: the rotors could become entangled in power lines, causing serious and even fatal crashes. To solve the problem, Kiowas were retrofitted with "horns" to deflect power lines away from the rotors. The aircraft was known for its reliability and handling.
Canada's 74 Kiowas arrived in 1971 and 1972, and served with eight Canadian Tactical Helicopter Squadrons across Canada and in West Germany before they were retired in 1996 and replaced by Bell Griffons.
The Museum's Kiowa started its career with the US Army and came to Canada in 1971. It began service with the No. 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training
this page online
It flew in the lead position as a member of the 1977 and 1978 Dragonflies demonstration team, but in June 1979 it was damaged while with the School. After being repaired, it returned to service and in the 1980s it was used by reserve squadrons at CFB Downsview in Ontario. In June of 1987, while being operated by a crew from 411 Squadron, the Kiowa suffered damage again when it lost power and had to make an emergency landing near Paint Lake, Ontario. It was later transferred to CFB Edmonton in February 1995, where it served with 408 Canada Goose Squadron until its retirement.
Specifications
Tail #: 136204
Rotor Diameter: 10.77 m, Length: 12.49 m
Max Weight: 1 360 kg
Max Speed: 222 km/h
Crew: 2 pilots or pilot/observer, 2 passengers
Role: light observation, trainer
In service: 1971-1997
No d'immatriculation: 136204
Diamètre du rotor: 10,77 m, Longueur: 12,49 m
Masse maximale: 1 360 kg
Vitesse maximale 222 km/h
Équipage: 2 pilotes ou 1 pilote/observateur,
2 passagers
Rôle: observation, entraînement
En service: 1971-1997
Erected by National
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 12, 2025
2. CH-136 Kiowa and Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1971.
Location. 44° 6.881′ N, 77° 32.976′ W. Marker is in Quinte West, Ontario, in Hastings County. It is in Astra. It can be reached from Hastings 21. Marker and aircraft are in the National Air Force Museum of Canada's Memorial Air Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 RCAF Road, Quinte West ON K0K 3V0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Ontario and specifically in Southeastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker:
More about this marker. Admission required, and the outdoor Air Park is closed during inclement weather.
Also see . . .
1. Bell CH-136 Kiowa. (Submitted on June 6, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. National Air Force Museum of Canada. (Submitted on June 6, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
