User Guide

COMANCHE VERSUS HOKUM
4
Development History
Back in 1981, a plan was drawn up for a single basic utility helicopter called LHX (Light
Helicopter Experimental). The intention was to replace the aging UH-1, OH-58 and AH-1
fleets with a production run of 5,000 LHXs. To fulfil the diverse mission roles currently
undertaken by the existing fleet, different LHX models were to be equipped with a large
variety of new technologies and mission equipment packages. While it was considered to
be an expensive program, military spending was generous under the current administration.
Six years later in 1987 these mission roles were substantially reduced to scout and attack
only. The projected LHX requirement then fell to around 2,000.
The upgrade/replacement program needed a rethink and quite possibly a different
helicopter better suited to the narrower mission profile. In 1988 the Department Of Defense
issued a "Request for Proposals", the request received a rapid response from Boeing
Helicopters in collaboration with Sikorsky Aircraft.
In 1990, the projected number of new helicopters required was further reduced to 1,292
with an option of a further order of some 400. A year later, the Boeing Sikorsky partnership
was awarded a contract to build 4 prototypes, designated the RAH-66 (RAH being an
acronym of Reconnaissance Attack Helicopter).
Modernization programs for the Apache and Kiowa were started with a view to enhance
real-time intelligence gathering and distribution capabilities. These programs helped shape
Army XXI’s view of the electronic battlefield and have in-turn influenced Comanche systems
specification.
A combination of cost reviews and specification changes initially resulted in patchy
development. At present, the Boeing Sikorsky team manages some 1,100 major
subcontractors and suppliers across the United States, quite a feat of co-ordination. Recent
successes with two flying prototype Comanches have been good news for the program. The
U.S Defense Department has approved an early operational capability program, which will
provide six additional aircraft to the U.S Army so they can begin operational testing. These
new aircraft will be manufactured in 2001.
Meanwhile, digitization programs of OH-58 Kiowa and AH-64D Apache continue, results
suggest both platforms can be integrated more closely with ground forces than previously
thought. They will integrate well with the Comanche when it becomes operational and
eventually the older OH-58 will be finally phased out.
Initial operating capability (IOC) for the U.S Army’s Comanche is set for 2006. While the
Comanche has its critics in the Senate and Pentagon, in the Army there is no doubt that the
RAH-66 will be an indispensable asset in the early 21st century battlefield.