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:
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
