NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
RAH-66 Comanche helicopter production never got beyond the prototype state. The project was canceled by the United States Army on February 23, 2004. Approximately US $8 billion had been thus far spent on the project. An additional $450 to $860 million would be added to the total spent as cancellation fees.
The aircraft were to be the first United States helicopters developed specifically for stealth armed reconnaissance. Deployment was anticipated in 2005.
Prototype testing immediately before cancellation revealed a host of problems. Computers, weight, stealth technology, and weapons were all deficient, to name a few of the items.
In May 1995 production of the first RAH-66 Comanche helicopter prototype was completed. The helicopter first flew on January 4, 1996. It was anticipated that the Block 1 for armed reconnaissance would be deployed in 2009 with Block II helicopters, for heavy attack, would be deployed in 2011.
The helicopter featured a five-blade bearing less main rotor, a anti-torque tail rotor system, Turboshaft LHTEC-800LHT-801 engines, triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control, and digital missions electronics with on-board diagnostics. In addition it had remove and replace maintenance, Hands On Grips controls for single-handed flight operations, a buried exhaust system and internal weapons for lower drag, stealth, and to maintain a low radar signature. A three three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun fired 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute.
Test pilots reported, while flying the RAH-66 Comanche, that barely advancing the throttle immediately caused the head of the helicopter to start spooling up. Initially advancing the throttle and the blades were spinning briskly. Advancing the throttle further caused the helicopter to get light on its wheels and lift off the ground. Some quick trimming was needed to allow it to hover in one spot. It was obvious that the helicopter was both powerful and agile. Even though the helicopter felt agile in the air and would move quickly with any command input, it wasn't difficult to maintain hover. The triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control helicopter was quick.
With the efficient and strong running Turboshaft LHTEC-800-LHT-801 engines, the helicopter zoomed. It was very responsive in flight, grooved with the best of them, and felt like a much smaller aircraft.
Aerobatics of the RAH-66 Comanche were easy to perform with the power available. Loops, rolls and stall-turns were all performed easily.
stealth recon
two
2- 2,688 hp ea.
3,402 lbs.
7,790 lbs.
47' 8"
11'
148 mph
193 mph
2,240 fpm
14,980 feet
1,125 miles
1/4/96
Radio Control Helicopter
The rc RAH-66 Comanche from XHeli.
Radio Control Helicopters
The pictures above and below are for the rc RAH-66 Comanche sold by XHeli and Nitro Planes. It has a 13 1/2" rotor, a fuselage length of 17", width of 4" and height of 7". Power comes from two 180 motors. It is available in two versions, both ready to fly. One has a 2.4 GHZ full spectrum radio and the other has a standard radio.
The middle picture below is of the rc RAH-66 Comanche by Mitsuhara Ishikawa. It is 1/22 scale with a card stock fuselage on a Pro Piccolo frame. Power is by a GWS 65 mm micro ducted fan engine.
Flyor, China, has a rc RAH-66 Comanche helicopter for sale. It comes ready to fly (RTF) and includes a pair of 180 type motors. Rotor diameter is 13 1/2", length is 15" and height is 7".
Heli Max has another RTF (ready to fly) RAH-66 Comanche helicopter. Its rotor diameter is 10 1/2", length is 12 1/2", and height is 6".
You can find a fuselage kit for the RAH-66 Comanche at Darth's Heli Bodies. It is made from styrene plastic and will fit micro heli mechanics such as Blade CP.
In the last picture below is the great looking rc RAH-66 Comanche of Michael Behrens taken from the picture gallery of his web site. Unfortunately we can't find any details about it.
If you would like to recommend any additional rc RAH-66 Comanche radio control helicopters, please email us.
RAH-66 Comanche
