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.

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Outstanding Features

The Comanche’s most significant systems and features include:

• Five-bladed bearingless main rotor
• FANTAIL anti-torque system
• Low-workload crew station
• Self-healing digital mission electronics
• Longbow fire-control radar
• Passive long-range, high-resolution sensors
• Triple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system
• Wide field-of-view (35 X 52 degrees) helmet-mounted display
• Low observables (radar, infrared, acoustic)
• Two 6- by 8-inch multifunctional displays
• Triple redundant electrical/hydraulic systems on-board diagnostic system
• Simple remove-and-replace maintenance
• Fully retractable missile armament system
• Stowable three-barrel 20-mm Gatling gun