The RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter: Technical Accomplishment, Program Frustration

Lt. Gen. Richard A. Cody flew the Comanche in 2003 and gave it a stellar review, but the program was cancelled 12 weeks later due to inadequate R&D funding. The Comanche was the most advanced helicopter ever built, but it was delayed due to program restructures and reductions in Army funding.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics

On December 5, 2003, Lt. Gen. Richard A. Cody, an experienced aviator and Army Deputy Chief of Staff, flew the Comanche helicopter. According to the January 2004 issue of National Defense, he gave the aircraft a stellar review. Cody stated that the Comanche had exceeded his expectations and was particularly impressed by the rotor system, engine response, and control. He also reportedly said that the aircraft was easy to fly and should be put into the hands of soldiers as soon as possible. Twelve weeks later, the program was canceled.

Mike Hirschberg, executive director of the Vertical Flight Society, wrote in the January/February 2017 issue of Vertiflite magazine: The RAH-66 Comanche was the most advanced helicopter ever built.

First, inadequate R&D funding levels during the Clinton administration stretched out its development over two decades. Then, with only two prototypes completed, the Comanche had to be sacrificed in 2003 to field upgrades to the existing U.S. Army rotorcraft fleet so it would remain viable in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This terrible choice was necessitated by the lack of sufficient funds for vertical lift aviation.

So, what happened? How did Comanche become expendable? How did a program that was originally scheduled to enter Low Rate Initial Production in 1996 get delayed to 2011? How did an aircraft originally designed to replace the Army's light scout/attack fleet grow to become a virtual replacement for the much larger, heavier AH-64 Apache?

This is a story of great accomplishment and much frustration. The program never stayed stable for more than a few years at a time. From 1991 to 2004, Comanche went through six program restructures, mostly due to reductions and stretch-outs in Army funding.

This is the story of a program that enjoyed strong support at the highest levels of government but faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout its development.

Despite these challenges, the Comanche program was a remarkable achievement in military aviation history. It showcased the latest technology and advanced features, including a powerful engine, advanced rotor system, and advanced avionics.

The Comanche was designed to be a versatile and capable helicopter that could perform a wide range of missions, including air assault, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. It was also designed to be highly survivable in combat environments, with a robust armor system and advanced self-defense systems.

The program faced numerous obstacles during its development, including funding cuts, technical challenges, and political interference. However, the program's supporters remained committed to its success, and the Comanche continued to progress despite these setbacks.

In 2003, the Comanche was scheduled to enter Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP), which would have marked the beginning of mass production of the helicopter. However, the program was canceled just weeks before LRIP was scheduled to begin.

The reasons for the cancellation of the Comanche program are still debated, but there are several factors that contributed to its demise. One of the primary factors was the lack of sufficient funding for the program. The Clinton administration had allocated inadequate R&D funding to the Comanche program, which resulted in delays and cost overruns.

Another factor was the changing nature of the military landscape. As the United States began to focus on counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the need for a versatile and capable helicopter like the Comanche decreased. The Army began to prioritize other programs, such as the AH-64 Apache, which was better suited for the types of missions being conducted in these regions.

Despite the cancellation of the Comanche program, its legacy continues to be felt in the military aviation community. The Comanche program showcased the latest technology and advanced features, and its design principles have been used in the development of other military helicopters, such as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and the Sikorsky Black Hawk.

The Comanche program also had a significant impact on the careers of many military personnel who worked on the program. Many of these personnel went on to become leaders in the military aviation industry, and their contributions to the program have been recognized and celebrated.

In conclusion, the Comanche program was a remarkable achievement in military aviation history. It showcased the latest technology and advanced features, and it was designed to be a versatile and capable helicopter that could perform a wide range of missions. However, the program was canceled due to a lack of sufficient funding and the changing nature of the military landscape. Despite its cancellation, the Comanche program's legacy continues to be felt in the military aviation community, and its design principles have been used in the development of other military helicopters.

ISBN-13: 9781624106248