Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche

The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced five-blade armed reconnaissance and attack helicopter designed for theUnited States Army. The RAH-66 program was canceled in 2004, before mass production began, after nearly $7 billion was spent on the program.

The RAH-66 was intended to be a stealth helicopter; it incorporated multiple techniques in order to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) and other areas of visibility. Its outer surfaces were faceted and had radar-absorbent material (RAM) coatings and infrared-suppressant paint applied; with these measures, the Comanche's RCS was 360 times smaller than the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. The Comanche's noise signature was noticeably quieter than comparative helicopters; this was partly achieved through the all-composite 5-blade main rotor and tail rotor assembly.

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 46.85 ft (14.28 m)
• Rotor diameter: 39.04 ft (11.90 m)
• Height: 11.06 ft (3.37 m)
• Disc area: 1,197 ft² (111 m²)
• Empty weight: 9,300 lb (4,218 kg)
• Loaded weight: 12,349 lb (5,601 kg)
• Useful load: 5,062 lb (2,296 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 17,408 lb (7,896 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × LHTEC T800-LHT-801 turboshaft, 1,563 hp (1,165 kW) each
• Fuselage length: 43.31 ft (13.20 m)
• Rotor systems: 5 blades on main rotor

Performance

• Maximum speed: 175 knots (201 mph, 324 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 165 knots (190 mph, 306 km/h)
• Range: 262 nmi (302 mi, 485 km) on internal fuel
• Combat radius: 150 nmi (173 mi, 278 km) on internal fuel
• Ferry range: 1,200 nmi (1,380 mi, 2,220 km)
• Endurance: 2.5 hr
• Service ceiling: 14,980 ft (4,566 m)
• Rate of climb: 895 ft/min (4.55 m/s)