RAH-66 Axed??

[MJG]

Heard the Commanche program got the boot? Say it aint so. Anyone have any info?

 

[AxisVDP]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/02/23/helicopter.cancel.ap/index.html

What was the point of having it anyways? To me it seems like the Apache is doing just fine (though I've heard its hell to maintain).

 

[MJG]

the Army canceled its Comanche helicopter program Monday after sinking $6.9 billion and 21 years of effort into producing a new-generation chopper.

No wonder I can't ever get a good tax refund....

 

[HueyPilot]

RAH-66

The Commanche wasn't supposed to replace the Apache...it was supposed to replace the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. The KW is an under-powered, under-armed updated version of the original OH-58A/C Kiowa. They took the basic OH-58, added a bunch of electronics and the MMS (Mast-Mounted Sight), a 4-bladed rotor system, and a couple weapons hardpoints, and added a modest power boost and made it into a semi-combat helicopter.

The sad thing is the Commanche was basically a finished design. All they had to do was complete the OT&E phase and put it in service. It was a much better platform for combat recon than the KW ever was. But under G.H.W. Bush and Clinton, the Commanche funding was drastically cut and the program limped along for about 15 years. Under Reagan, the -66 was supposed to enter service in late 1990s. Under Bush, it would enter service in early 2000s. Under Clinton, the service date was pushed back to about 2006. Under GW Bush, it was pushed back to 2008.

All that pushing back the time table saved a little money in the short term, but caused the overall program to skyrocket in the long run. In the end, we spent billions, fully developed the helicopter, and got nothing in return. We should have bought at least some to justify the cost of development.

Methinks this is also a little bit of calculated politics, since Sikorsky is in Connecticut, a notoriously democratic state, and close to home of Kerry. Bell Helicopter (who built and supplies parts for the OH-58D) is based in Ft. Worth, TX.

But the #1 reason the program was axed was short-sightedness on behalf of our elected schmoes on "the Hill". Just like the tanker lease deal, all they looked at and cared about was the bottom line.

 

[weekendwarrior]

The timing was great. Funny thing, they just finished a very large Comanche simulator/office building/headquarters type building here at Fort Rucker. Wonder what they are going to do with that now (notwithstanding the $8 Billion they spent on the Comanche).

It should be a good thing for Army aviation, though. That money is desparately needed to upgrade our current inventory, and develop the OH-6 which is now replacing the OH-58.

Evolution.

 

[HueyPilot]

OH-6...again?

Develop the OH-6 to replace the OH-58....

WOW, haven't things come full circle now. The OH-58 was purchased to replace the costly-to-maintain OH-6 back in the late 1960s (and to boost Lady Bird Johnson's Bell Helicopter stock).

 

[weekendwarrior]

Yeah, I about hit the floor when I heard that one. Apparently, they want to beef it up, put an MMS on it, and make suitable for urban warfare scouting due to it's size and maneuverability. It was in the Army Times, so I'm assuming it's real.