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 Comanches'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 onboard diagnostic system
• Simple remove-and-replace maintenance
• Fully retractable missile armament system
• Stowable three-barrel 20-mm Gatling gun

Performance

The state of the art design of the Comanche allows for a speed of 175 knots, then cruise at a steady 165. The propulsion and navigation design also allows the helicopter to execute snap turns in 4.5 seconds and fly sideways or backward at 70 mph. With a power output of 1,432 horsepower from each of it's turboshaft engines, the Comanche has a climb rate of 1,418 feet per minute.

Armament

The Comanche can carry up to 14 "Fire and Forget" Hellfire antitank missiles, which, once fired, are programmed to control their own flight to their targets. It can also carry up to 56 rockets (70mm), or 28 Stinger air-to-air missiles, for both attack and defence against other aircraft.In addition the Comanche is also armed with a three-barreled, 20 mm turreted nose mini-gun that has a rate of fire of 1500 rounds per minute.

Conclusion

The Comanche the first true stealth helicopter is without doubt going to be one of the most powerful weapon systems in the US Army's arsenal. Not only does it bring unprecedented fire power to the world of helicopters but more important are its digital communication systems, which allow it to transmit in real-time to other weapon systems co-ordinating fire control and reconnaisance information.This is probably the ultimate in helicopters and the next generation according to one source which could outmanouevre a Comanche will possibly be some kind of anti-gravity vehicle.