RAH-66 Comanche helicopter production never got beyond the prototype state. The RAH-66 Comanche project was canceled by the United States Army on February 23, 2004. Approximately US $8 billion had been thus far spent on the project. An additional $450 to $860 million would be added to the total spent as cancellation fees.
RAH-66 Comanche helicopters were to be the first U. S. helicopters developed specifically for stealth armed reconnaissance. Deployment of the RAH-66 Comanche was anticipated in 2005.
RAH-66 Comanche prototype testing immediately before cancellation revealed a host of problems. Computers,
weight, stealth technology, and weapons were all deficient, to name a
few of the items.
In May 1995 production of the first RAH-66 Comanche helicopter prototype was completed.
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter first flew on January 4, 1996. It was anticipated that the Block 1 RAH-66 Comanche for armed reconnaissance would be deployed in 2009 with Block II RAH-66 Comanche helicopters for heavy attack would be deployed in 2011.
The RAH-66 Comanche featured a five-blade bearingless main rotor, a anti-torque tail rotor system, Turboshaft LHTEC-800LHT-801 engines, triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control, and digital missions electronics with on-board diagnostics. In addition the RAH-66 Comanche had remove and replace maintenance, Hands On Grips controls for single-handed flight operations, a buried exhaust system and internal weapons for lower drag, stealth, and to maintain a low radar signature. A three three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun fired 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute.
Test
pilots reported while flying the RAH-66 Comanche that barely advancing the throttle immediately caused the head of the helicopter to start spooling
up. Initially advancing the throttle and the blades were spinning
briskly. Advancing the throttle further caused the RAH-66 Comanche to
become light on its wheels and lift off the ground.
Some quick trimming was needed to allow it to hover in one spot.
It was obvious that the helicopter was both powerful and agile. Even
though the RAH-66 Comanche felt agile in the air and would move quickly with any
command input, it wasn't difficult to maintain hover.
The triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control helicopter was quick.
With
the efficient and strong running Turboshaft LHTEC-800-LHT-801 engines,
the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter zoomed.
The RAH-66 Comanche was very responsive in flight. The helicopter grooved with
the best of them and felt like a much smaller aircraft.
Aerobatics of the RAH-66 Comanche were easy to perform with the power available. Loops, rolls and stall-turns were all performed easily.
2008 Co-Comanche rc helicopter.