RAH-66 Comanche

Boeing Defense & Space Group, Helicopters Division and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, teamed 555x234f to develop and build the RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter in 1991. Other team members include Hamilton Standard, Harris Corp., Hughes Link Training Division, Kaiser Electronics, Lear Astronics, Litton, Lockheed Martin, Moog, Sunstrand, TRW Military Electronics and Avionics Systems Group, and Williams International. Allison Engine Company and Allied Signal Engine Company are co-developing the engines for the Comanche.

Designed to replace the Army's current Vietnam-vintage scout and light attack helicopter fleet, the Comanche features an all-composite fuselage, fully integrated digital flight controls, and advanced navigation and weapons systems. It will provide U.S. forces with accurate, timely tactical intelligence.

First flight:

January 4, 1996

Classification:

Armed reconnaissance helicopter

Length:

42 feet 10 inches

Weight:

10,597 pounds

Dash speed:

201 mph

Cruising speed:

190 mph

Maximum range:

1,449 miles

Power:

Two 1,432-shaft-horsepower T800-LHTEC-801 turboshaft engines

Rotor system:

Five-bladed bearingless main rotor and FANTAIL anti-torque system

Armament:

Stowable three-barrel 20-mm Gatling gun

Accommodation:

2 crew