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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.
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1983 : LHX program initiated
Jun 1985 : Sikorsky and Boeing teamed for LHX
Apr 1991 : Prototype contract go-ahead
Jun 1991 : S-76B N3124G tailfan testbed at Paris airshow
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
After 20 years, the US Army cancelled the program in 2004 and give Bell a contract to build the ARH-70 Arapaho based on the Bell 407
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2 Comanches Fly Together For First Time
May 10, 1999 