Boeing / Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche

History

Once upon a time, the Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche would be the future of the U.S. Army rotorcraft. This is a stealth-based light attack helicopter designed to replace the aging Bell UH-1 "Huey" attack helicopter, Bell AH-1 "Cobra" light attack helicopter, Hughes OH-6 "Cayus" light attack helicopter Inventory of helicopters and Bell OH - 58 "Kiowa" light helicopters.

The RAH-66 is the world's first purpose-built stealth attack helicopter with a fully powered interior compartment for anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, which encourages the extensive use of stealth materials to hide the approach of enemy radars. If mass-produced, the RAH-66 would be the most advanced attack helicopter in the world, serving every military force around the world.

The first flight was on January 4, 1996.

The origins of the RAH-66 began with the LHX (Light Helicopter Experiment) program in 1982, which was submitted by the Boeing-Sikorsky joint project. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was not issued until 1988, and the U.S. Army's requirements have now been developed based on a light reconnaissance combat helicopter model. In 1990, the program was renamed the Light Helicopter (LH) program, an application submitted by Boeing-Sikorsky the following year was officially selected as the program's winner, and the U.S.

Army sought four airworthy prototypes (YRAH-66 ). It was then that the product received the official designation "RAH-66" under the designation "Comanche".

Power comes from 2 LHTEC T800-LHT-801 series turboshaft engines, each producing 1,563 hp, driving the five-blade main rotor via an eight-blade fin tail rotor assembly. Top speed is 200 mph, range is up to 1,382 miles, and service is capped at 15,000 feet. The climb rate is 895 feet per minute.

On a hypothetical battlefield, the RAH-66 system would support Allied forces by engaging enemy armor from a distance. The helicopter gained the scanning and tracking capabilities of the Apache Longbow and the maneuverability of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa series.

Weapon support includes Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Stinger air-to-air missiles, and Hydra 2.75-inch rocket pods.

Nonetheless, the Comanche product never materialized, as the entire program was canceled by the U.S. Army in early 2004, largely due to budget cuts.

It turns out that simply modernizing outdated inventory, rather than procuring the required quantities of expensive, complex attack systems, is taxable.

Two prototypes have stood the test of time and are now in the collection of the U.S. Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

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