RAH-66 Commanche
                                      

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RAH-66 Commanche

The U.S. Army's aviation modernization plan has as its centerpiece the Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter. The aviation plan reflects the Army's new post-Cold War strategy to react to regional
conflicts by using fewer personnel and long-range, self-deployable aircraft based in the continental United States.
The Comanche is a twin-turbine, two-seat (tandem) armed reconnaissance helicopter with projected missions of armed reconnaissance, light attack and air combat. Initial operating capability is set for the year 2006.

It will replace obsolete AH-1 and OH-58 attack and observation helicopters. The Comanche has capabilities demanded of a smaller force structure, such as:
improved mobility, increased survivability and dramatically reduced operation and support costs. Initial operating capability is set for the year 2006.

Program

Emphasis of the demonstration/validation program is to prove all critical components. These include mission equipment avionics and a growth version of the Comanche-s T800 engine. Two prototype aircraft are being built. The
Defense Department-s Defense Acquisition Board has approved an early operational capability program that will provide for six additional aircraft, manufactured in 2001, for U.S. Army operational testing.

Outstanding Features

The Comanche-s most significant systems and features include:
 

bulletFive-bladed bearingless main rotor
bulletFANTAIL anti-torque system
bulletLow-workload crew station
bulletSelf-healing digital mission electronics
bulletLongbow fire-control radar
bulletPassive long-range, high-resolution sensors
bulletTriple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system
bulletWide field-of-view (35 X 52 degrees) helmet-mounted display
bulletLow observables (radar, infrared, acoustic)
bulletTwo 6- by 8-inch multifunctional displays
bulletTriple redundant electrical/hydraulic systems on-board diagnostic system
bulletSimple remove-and-replace maintenance
bulletFully retractable missile armament system
bulletStowable three-barrel 20-mm Gatling gun

This site has been moved to www.WorldAviation.info but not in its current form. We are in process of erecting a brand new website with totally new structure. Hence, for information seekers, this site will remain as it is.