Kaman H-2 Tomahawk: A Step Closer to the First Attack Helicopter...

slowmo21too · February 27, 2026, 9:39pm

Kaman H-2 Tomahawk: A Step Closer to the First Attack Helicopter…

(Polls are at the Bottom)

Overview

Hello My Friends!

Today I want to suggest an early helicopter prototype made by Kaman, a proposal for the US Army as the “First Attack Helicopter”. Despite its capable performance in tests, it would ultimately not be chosen for reasons not technical, but… political.

Basic Information

Designation: H-2 Tomahawk

Role: Attack Helicopter

Crew: 3

Pilot
Co-Pilot
Gunner/Sensor Operator

Designer: Kaman Aircraft Corporation

Manufacturer: Kaman Aircraft Corporation

Number Built: 1

Specifications

Dimensions:

Length: 36 ft 7 in (11.15 m)
Main Rotor Diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
Main Rotor Area: 1,520.53 sq. ft (141.262 m²)
Height: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)

Flight Performance:

Engine: 1x General Electric T58-GE-8 Turboshaft
- 1247 hp (930kW)
Maximum Speed: 161mph (260 km/h)
Cruise Speed: 152mph (245 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 17,388 ft (5,300 m)
Empty weight: 6,362 lbs (2,886 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 8,950 lbs (4.060 kg)

Armament:

Armament (Offensive): 4x 7.62mm M60C Machine Guns
Armament (Suspended):
- 2x 19-Rocket Mighty Mouse 70mm Rocket Pods (One on each wingtip)
- 4x 7-Rocket Mighty Mouse 70mm Rocket Pods (Two on each wing)

Usage In Battles

The H-2 Tomahawk would be a relatively simple addition to WarThunder, being a capable helicopter with light machineguns to handle open-top and light-skinned vehicles, and rockets to handle heavier targets.

Pros:

Good Rocket Armament
Great Mobility

Cons:

Light Armament
Only rockets

History

In the 1960’s, the US Army was looking for an interim attack helicopter, as UH-1 Iroquois’ in Vietnam struggled to provide ample fire support as ad-hoc gunships, while the AH-56 Cheyenne Program was wrought with delays. The Kaman Aircraft Corporation, with their UH-2A Seasprite helicopter, already popular with the US Navy, proposed a modified variant. The UH-2A Interim Attack Helicopter, equipped with machine gun turrets in the nose, stub wings for rocket pods, additional armor plating, and Army-standardized cockpit intruments, was handed over to the Army Aviation Test Board for evaluation in October, 1963, with the Board finding the helicopter to be an exceptionally capable aircraft, and by early November the Army sought and received Congressional authorization to purchase 220 aircraft, designated the H-2 “Tomahawk”.

Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the new president, Lyndon B. Johnson, 5 days following, would cancel the orders for the H-2s, their production based in Connecticut, in favor of more orders of the UH-1 Iroquois which were based out of Texas, his home state. Despite the capability of the H-2, the Bell UH-1 has already well-established production lines and had proven itself in combat, further justifying the cancellation, and would eventually lead to the development of the AH-1 Cobra.

Photo Gallery