At one point, the Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was set to become the future of U.S. Army rotary-wing aviation. It was a stealth-based light attack helicopter set to replace an aging stock of Bell UH-1 "Huey" gunships, Bell AH-1 "Cobra" light attack helicopters, Hughes OH-6 "Cayuse" light observation and attack helicopters, and Bell OH-58 "Kiowa" light helicopters. The RAH-66 was the world's first purpose-built stealth attack helicopter complete with fully-powered internal bays housing anti-armor and anti-air missiles and promoted heavy use of stealth materials to help conceal its approach from enemy radar. Had it been serially produced, the RAH-66 would have been the world's most advanced combat helicopter in service with any army anywhere in the world. First flight came on January 4th, 1996.
Origins of the RAH-66 began with the LHX program (Light Helicopter Experimental) of 1982, the design proposal forwarded by a joint Boeing-Sikorsky. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was not enacted until 1988 to which, by now, the U.S. Army requirement had been evolved along the lines of a light reconnaissance-minded attack helicopter. In 1990, the program was given a new name as the Light Helicopter (LH) program and the following year saw the Boeing-Sikorsky submission officially selected as the winner of the program with the U.S. Army seeking four flyable prototypes (YRAH-66) in this early stage. By this time, the product was handed the official designation of "RAH-66" with the name of "Comanche".
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Origins of the RAH-66 began with the LHX program (Light Helicopter Experimental) of 1982, the design proposal forwarded by a joint Boeing-Sikorsky. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was not enacted until 1988 to which, by now, the U.S. Army requirement had been evolved along the lines of a light reconnaissance-minded attack helicopter. In 1990, the program was given a new name as the Light Helicopter (LH) program and the following year saw the Boeing-Sikorsky submission officially selected as the winner of the program with the U.S. Army seeking four flyable prototypes (YRAH-66) in this early stage. By this time, the product was handed the official designation of "RAH-66" with the name of "Comanche".
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If you have any questions, please leave a message below
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