RAH-66
Comanche
Back
|
|
RAH-66
|
|
Back |
|
Trouble in Paradise.. It appears that the Comanche project may have been cancelled. Click Here for the story at ABC. Nation: USA Manufacturer: Boeing and Sikorsky Type: Stealth Attack/Scout Helicopter Year: 2006 (est) Engine: 2 T-800-LHT-801 turboshaft, 1563 shp each Rotor Diameter: 39.04 ft Rotor Type: 5-blade bearingless main rotor, FANTAIL anti-torque. Overall Length: 46.85 ft Overall Height: 11.06 ft Empty Weight: 8,690 lbs Primary Mission Weight: 11,632 lbs Max Speed: 172 kts(dash) 161 kts (Cruise) Range: 350 nautical miles(standard), 1260 nautical miles (with ferry tanks) Crew: 1 pilot, 1 gunner Load/Armament: stowable 3-barrel 20 mm Giat Gatling Gun,500 rounds, 1500 rounds per min Capable of carrying:
The Comanche also features a triple-redundant fly-by-wire control system, with a new feature - no rudder pedals. Instead, the cyclic grip is twisted left or right to produce the same results as rudder pedals would in traditional helicopters. Internal systems are called 'Simple Remove and Replace,' since they require no more than a few hand tools, and entire modules are replaced in order to keep the craft in operation. Weapons systems on the Comanche are also completely internal, which reduces the heat signature of this aircraft to less than that of a large bird. Other Features:
Counter-Measures: Laser Warner, Radar Warner, Infrared Jammers 
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 10, 1999 - For the first time, RAH-66 Comanche were a pair in the air, as both Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Prototypes lifted off together for a test flight on April 23 at the Comanche Team's Development Flight Center here. The two-ship flight was part of an aggressive flight test schedule involving two separate flights each for Comanche prototype Nos. 1 and 2. After completing 1.5 hours in the air on April 23, prototype No. 1 has tallied 130 flight operations totaling nearly 145 hours. Prototype No. 2 completed its fourth and fifth flights, involving 1.4 hours, for a total of nearly five flight hours since its first liftoff on March 30. In addition to formation flying as part of the test program, prototype No. 1 continued envelope expansion work, achieving transient sideslips up to 85 degrees at 80 knots. The aircraft expanded its load factor envelope, reaching 2.4g at 155 knots, 2.35g at maximum cruise velocity in the positive direction and -0.1g at 120 knots, 0g at both 140 and 155 knots. 
During prototype No. 2's flight, test engineers completed data collection for infrared signature testing on the aircraft's exhaust system. Prototype No. 2 is now preparing for a trip to Nashville, Tenn., where it will be on static display at the Army Aviation Association of America's annual meeting and exhibition. In June, No. 2 will be on static display at the Paris Air Show. The RAH-66 Comanche, the U.S. Army's 21st century combat helicopter, is being developed by U.S. Army Aviation and a team of leading aerospace companies headed by Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Click here for Rotorhead Productions | ||
|
© 2001 The RotorHead |
at 800 x 600 resolution http://www.rotorhead.org File: /military/rah66.asp |
Last change: 4/9/2007 |