Comanche Helicopter: Program Needs Reassessment Due to Increased Unit Cost and Other Factors

Abstract

Although undergoing many changes during the 10 years it has been in development, the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter (formerly the Light Helicopter) is the centerpiece of the Army's aviation modernization plan. When fielded, it is to replace Vietnam-era scout and attack aircraft that the Army considers incapable of meeting existing or future requirements. Concerned about program changes over the past several years and the reduction in the threat that the Comanche was designed to address, the Chairman and the Ranking Republican Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services, asked that GAO review the Army's continued development of the Comanche. GAO's specific objectives were to assess the (1) expected capabilities and role of the Comanche, (2) changes in the estimated program cost, (3) program's planned reliability and logistical support goals, and (4) risks associated with the acquisition strategy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA253420

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Army Aircraft
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Composite Materials
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Helicopters
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Observation Aircraft
  • Radar
  • Reconnaissance Aircraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Utility Aircraft

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Systems Analysis and Design