
Later-model Kiowas are scheduled for retirement in fiscal year 2013, according to the plan.Īs of September 2002 the Army was considering a plan to cut the number of Comanche helicopters by almost 40%, to about 800, amid growing pressure to cancel the program entirely. The Cobras and Kiowas will be replaced by AH-64D Apaches and eventually by RAH-66 Comanches, the new reconnaissance and attack helicopter scheduled to begin joining the Army in 2008. AH-1 Cobras were divested by October 2001, and A and C model OH-58 Kiowas will be retired by 2004. Aviation battalions will be reorganized as part of the Army's 2000 Aviation Force Modernization Plan. The first US Army Comanche unit will be operationally equipped in 2006. The Army's April 2000 Aviation Force Modernization Plan recommended acquisition of 1,213 Comanche aircraft, valued at nearly $34 billion. The Comanche was intended to replace the current fleet of AH-1 and OH-58 helicopters in all air cavalry troops and light division attack helicopter battalions, and supplement the AH-64 Apache in heavy division/corps attack helicopter battalions. The Comanche will initially be armed with the semi-active laser Hellfire missile, the air-to-air Stinger missile, 2.75 inch aerial rockets, and a turreted 20 mm gun. The mission equipment package incorporates forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and image intensified television sensors for night pilotage and target acquisition. The Comanche features a five-bladed bearingless main rotor, a shrouded tail rotor, a low radar cross section composite fuselage with retractable weapons pylon, a fly-by-wire flight control system, and a fully integrated cockpit. Army by a joint venture comprising Boeing Helicopters and Sikorsky Aircraft. The RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced twin engine, two seat (tandem) light attack/armed reconnaissance helicopter developed for the U. The Comanche will provide Army Aviation the opportunity to move into the 21st century with a weapon system of unsurpassed warfighting capabilities crucial to the Army's future strategic vision. It also is the first helicopter developed specifically for this role. The $39 billion program Comanche was intended to be the Army's next generation armed reconnaissance helicopter. The Army plans to initiate programs for a total of 303 light utility helicopters and 368 armed reconnaissance planes. The Army wants new proposals to develop and build a new armed reconnaissance aircraft.

#Comanche helicopter upgrade
The Army said it would use the $14.6 billion earmarked for 121 Comanches between 20 to buy 796 additional Black Hawk and other helicopters and to upgrade and modernize 1,400 helicopters already in the fleet.

#Comanche helicopter full
Fuel endurance of upwards of 6 hours with full tanks (90 gallons)ģ Hours dual instruction from a twin comanche flyers MEI is required for the check-out to demonstrate proficiency in multi-engine operations and the PA-30’s general systems/characteristics.The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was cancelled on 23 February 2004, after 22 years, 6 program restructurings, and 6.9 billion dollars.

**Renters insurance must include $75K in hull coverage And its only a 3 HOUR REQUIREMENT or as needed for our checkout as well as renters insurance. Enjoy 165kn cruise with the safety of that second engine. IFR certified and has a Garmin 530 GPS, dual coms, and fuel flow indicators. The Twin Comanche is a very capable aircraft used for multi-engine training, time building, and cross country flights.
