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Boeing/Sikorsky
RAH-66 Comanche


The Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche traces back to 1980s Sikorsky's 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.

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.

After 20 years, the US Army cancelled the program in 2004 and give Bell a contract to build the ARH-70 based on the Bell 407




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 (BuNo 94-0327) will go to the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester PA.
Prototype #2 (BuNo 95-0001) is displayed in US Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker






Thanks simpson6025

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

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