A Case History of the United States Army RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter

Abstract

The RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter was initiated as the Light Helicopter Family (LHX) in 1982 when an Army Aviation Mission Area Analysis (AAMAA) identified the need for an armed reconnaissance aircraft. Eighteen years later, the program has yet to reach a Defense Acquisition Board Milestone II review. This thesis described the history of the RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter acquisition program during these ears. The research focused on the question of what significant events and issues have occurred over the course of the Comanche's development that have allowed it to remain a viable program. The research draws several conclusions from the analysis of the Comanche's history. Mainly, despite the significant duration of the program, a valid need for an armed reconnaissance platform still exists. Secondly, the innovative program management of Comanche has maintained a positive reputation for the program. Finally, the loss of Comanche at this point in time would severely impact the defense helicopter industrial base.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA378729

Entities

People

  • Jason L. Galindo

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

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

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Acquisition
  • Reconnaissance Aircraft
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Systems Management
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Utility Aircraft

Readers

  • Military Engineering.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.