What is the cruising speed of the OH-58D?

The cruising speed of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is indeed around 80 knots. This value is an important specification that reflects the helicopter's performance capabilities, particularly in reconnaissance and surveillance roles. Cruising speed is defined as the speed at which the aircraft can maintain level flight efficiently while optimizing fuel consumption and range.

Understanding the cruising speed is crucial for operational planning, as it affects mission timing, the ability to respond to dynamic situations, and how quickly the aircraft can reach its designated area. The OH-58D's speed allows it to effectively perform its missions in a variety of environments while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Given the context of the multiple-choice question, the other options represent speeds that do not accurately reflect the performance profile of the OH-58D. The helicopter's design and engineering are focused on achieving optimal performance at around 80 knots, making this the correct answer.