Boeing/Sikorsky
RAH-66 Comanche
The Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche traces back to the 80s
LHX (Light Helicopter Experimental)
program. It was to be the centerpiece of the U.S. Army's aviation modernization plan
with the main goal of replacing the entire
OH-58s and
AH-1 Cobras fleet.
A twin-turbine, two-seat (tandem) armed reconnaissance helicopter
featuring an all-composite, low-observable airframe designed to evade detection by radar,
infrared and acoustic sensors with projected missions of armed reconnaissance, light attack and air combat.
After 20 years, the US Army cancelled the program in 2004 and award Bell a contract to build the ARH-70
based on the civilian Bell 407
The Comanche had Stealth characteristics achieved by retractable undercarriage and weapons stubs,
an angular shape and engine exhaust slots under the fuselage.
The propeller hub was entirely covered, and the tail rotor was a ducted fan.
Facts :
1983 : LHX program initiated
Jun 1985 : Sikorsky and Boeing teamed for LHX
Apr 1991 : Prototype contract go-ahead
Jan 1992 : Preliminary design review
May 1995 : First prototype rolled out
Jan 1996 : First flight
Nov 2005: Expected Initial production
Feb 23, 2004 : US Army requests
Comanche termination
Prototype #1 will go to the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester PA.
Aircraft #2 (S/N 95-0001) is displayed in US Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker
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Picture by Boeing
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Press here to listen the Comanche 
Two Comanches flying together photos:
Diagonal High View
Diagonal Low View
Front Side by Side View
Front Staggered
Front Together
Related News:
2 Comanches Fly Together For First Time
May 10, 1999
Army sign pre-production MOU
May 20, 1999
RAH-66 at the Paris Air Show
Jun 12, 1999
$3.1 Billion proposal to US Army
Aug 23, 1999
Electrical power equipment for the RAH-66
Mar 28, 2000
US Army wants 1213 Comanche helicopters
Apr 04, 2000
Harris Corp to provide RAH-66 avionics
Aug 17, 2000
Comanche survivability system selected
Oct 26, 2000
New RAH-66 Comanche empennage
Nov 27, 2000
RAH-66 with new Empennage completes First Flight
Dec 21, 2000
Program Termination:
US Army wants fewer Comanches Sep 25, 2002
US Army requests Comanche termination Feb 23, 2004 Army Press Release
US Army terminates Comanche copter Feb 24, 2004 On the News
Bell Submits Bid for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Jun 24, 2005
Bell awarded Army contract to build 368 ARH Jul 29, 2005
Contribution: Boeing & Sikorsky
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