RAH-66 Comanche
The Boeing/Sikorsky RAF-Comanche was a reconnaissance/attack helicopter primarily used by U.S Army. The first prototype of Comanche of Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 was rolled-out on May 25, 1995 at Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut. The first flight of the prototype was made January 04, 1996. The second prototype is programmed to fly in March 1999. The operational plane early of the possibilities six are programmed to be delivered 2002 to take part in a exercise of field of army in 2002-2003, or probably later in the Corps 04 . Comanche is actuated by two T800-801 light engines of the engine of turbine of helicopter Co (LHTEC). These avançés engines and a shaped fuselage will be make it possible Comanche to fly appreciably more quickly than the larger AH-64 Apache.
The main role of the helicopter of Comanche RAH-66 was to seek the enemy forces and the targets indicated for the AH-64 Apache attack the helicopter the night, in adverse weather, and in obscurants of battle field, using the advanced infrared sensors. The helmet has the images of FLIR and the conventional signs of overlaid which can be employed like posting with reading high head in the flight of nape of the neck-of-the-ground (NOE). The helicopter was designed to emit a signature of low-radar (devices of discretion). Comanche will carry out the mission of attack itself for light divisions of Army . the RAH-66 will be employed like scout and helicopter of attack to include air-to-ground and air-to-air possibilities of combat. Comanche is designed to replace the helicopter of attack of light of cobra of series AH-1, the OH-6A Cayuse, and the light helicopters of observation of OH-58A/OH-58C Kiowa.
The package of equipment of mission of Comanche is composed of a turret-assembled gun, a system of control of night-vision, an helmet-assembled posting, an acquisition of target and an electro-optical system of designation, a facilitated identification of target, and an integrated system of the avionics of communication/navigation/identification. Optimization includes an infra-red probe towards before-looking at second generation (FLIR), a television of low-light-level, a discoverer and an indicator of range of laser, and the system of radar of vagueness of millimetre of Arc of Apache. The probes, the computers and the software of DIGITAL will make it possible the plane to detect and identify adversary a long time before they realize of the presence of Comanche , a principal advantage in the roles of recognition and attack.
Specification (RAH-66 Comanche)
Type: Attack Helicopter
Crew: 2
Length: 46.85 ft (14.38 m)
Width: 39.04 ft (rotor turning)
Height: 11.0 ft (overall)
Empty Weight: 8,690 lbs (3,942 kg)
Loaded Weight: 10,597 lbs (4,806 kg)
Maximum speed: 175 knots (201 mph, 324 km/h)
Cruise speed: 165 kt (190 mph, 306 km/h)
Range: 262 nmi (302 mi, 485 km) (internal fuel)
Service ceiling: 14,980 ft (4,566 m)
Rate of climb: 1,418 ft/min (7.20 m/s)
Armament:
1× 20 mm XM301 three-barrel cannon mounted in a Turreted Gun System (500 round capacity)
Internal bays: 6 Hellfires or 6 Stingers (ATAS)
Optional stub wings: 8 Hellfire, 16 Stinger or 56 x Hydra 70 2.75 in (70 mm) air-to-ground rockets
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