David
Tue December 17, 2002 2:31pm
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An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior h
An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter prepares to take-off from Comanche base in Multinational Division North.
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 2:17pm
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The Comanche (RAH-66) is
The Comanche (RAH-66) is the Army's next generation helicopter. A simulator shows a replica of the RAH-66's high-tech cockpit. The displays give both pilots immediate access to a range of data. Photo provided by Sikorsky Aircraft.
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 2:17pm
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The Comanche is the Army'
The Comanche is the Army's next generation helicopter designed to perform the armed and light reconnaissance mission. Photo by Sikorsky Aircraft.
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David
Thu December 19, 2002 2:17pm
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WASHINGTON (Army News Ser
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 30, 1999) -The Department of Defense today recognized a member of a group of Native Americans who helped ensure victory in the European Theater during World War II. Charles Chibitty, 78, the last surviving member of the 16 original Comanche Code Talkers, was honored at the Hall of Heroes inside the Pentagon for his military contributions. The works of the Comanche Code Talkers were labeled top secret during World War II
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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RAH-66 Comanche
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
Description: The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is the Army's next generation armed reconnaissance helicopter. It also is the first helicopter developed specifically for this role. 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. The Comanche is 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 first Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche prototype was rolled-out at Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut, May 25, 1995. The prototype's first flight was made on 04 January 1996. The second prototype is scheduled to fly in late March 1999. Six early operational capability aircraft are scheduled to be delivered 2002 to participate in an Army field exercise in 2002-2003, or possibly later in "Corps 04." The Comanche is powered by two Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Co. (LHTEC) T800-801 engines. These advanced engines and a streamlined airframe will be enable the Comanche to fly significantly faster than the larger AH-64 Apache.
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter's primary role will be to seek out enemy forces and designate targets for the AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter at night, in adverse weather, and in battlefield obscurants, using advanced infrared sensors. The helmet has FLIR images and overlaid symbology that can be used as a headup display in nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight.
The aircraft has been designed to emit a low-radar signature (stealth features). The Comanche will perform the attack mission itself for the Army's light divisions. The RAH-66 will be used as a scout and attack helicopter to include an air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capability. The Comanche is slated to replace the AH-1 Series Cobra light attack helicopter, the OH-6A Cayuse, and the OH-58A/OH-58C Kiowa light observation helicopters.
The Comanche mission equipment package consists of a turret-mounted cannon, night-vision pilotage system, helmet-mounted display, electro-optical target acquisition and designation system, aided target recognition, and integrated communication/navigation/identification avionics system. Targeting includes a second generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light-level television, a laser range finder and designator, and the Apache Longbow millimeter wave radar system. Digital sensors, computers and software will enable the aircraft to track and recognize advesarys long before they are aware of the Comanche's presence, a key advantage in both the reconnaissance and attack roles.
Aided target detection and classification software will automatically scan the battlefield, identifying and prioritizing targets. The target acquisition and communications system will allow burst transmissions of data to other aircraft and command and control systems. Digital communications links will enable the crew unparalleled situational awareness, making the Comanche an integral component of the digital battlefield. The armament subsystems consist of the XM301 20mm cannon, and up to 14 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 28 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) anti-aircraft missiles, or 56 2.75 inch Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets carried internally and externally. Up to four Hellfire and two Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missiles can be stowed in fully-retractable weapons bays and the gun can be rotated to a stowed position when not in use. This design feature reduces both drag and radar signature.
Mission management, status, and control information is provided over the MIL-STD-1553B databus between the mission equipment packages and the Turreted Gun System. The Comanche will have enhanced maintainability through it's modular electronics architecture and built-in diagnostics.
Features:
Sensors and avionics. In the reconnaissance role, the Comanche will be equipped with a new generation of passive sensors and a fully integrated suite of displays and communications. Advance infrared (IR) sensors will have twice the range of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache sensors. The Comanche will be equipped with the Apache Longbow fire control radar and the Helmet Integrated Display and Sight System (HIDSS). The fully integrated avionics system will allow tactical data to be overlaid onto a digital map, allowing the crew to devote more time for target detection and classification. A triple-redundant fly-by-wire system can automatically hold the helicopter in hover or in almost any other maneuver, reducing workload, allowing the pilot to concentrate on navigation and threat avoidance. A hand-on grip permits one-handed operation.
Stealth characteristics. The Comanche incorporates more low-observable stealth features than any aircraft in Army history. The Comanche radar cross-section (RCS) is less than that of a Hellfire missile. To reduce radar cross-section, weapons can be carried internally, the gun can be rotated aft and stowed within a fairing behind the turret when not in use, and the landing gear are fully-retractable. The all-composite fuselage sides are flat and canted and rounded surfaces are avoided by use of faceted turret and engine covers. The Comanche's head-on RCS is 360 times smaller than the AH-64 Apache, 250 times less than the smaller OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and 32 times smaller than the OH-58D's mast-mounted sight. This means the Comanche will be able to approach five times closer to an enemy radar than an Apache, or four times closer than an OH-58D, without being detected.
Noise suppression. The Comanche only radiates one-half the rotor noise of current helicopters. Noise is reduced by use of a five-bladed rotor, pioneered by the successful Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) MD-500 Defender series of light utility helicopters. The fantail eliminates interaction between main rotor and tail rotor wakes. The advanced rotor design permits operation at low speed, allowing the Comanche to sneak 40% closer to a target than an Apache, without being detected by an acoustical system.
Infrared (IR) suppression. The Comanche only radiates 25% of the engine heat of current helicopters, a critical survivability design concern in a low-flying tactical scout helicopter. The Comanche is the first helicopter in which the infrared (IR) suppression system is integrated into the airframe. This innovative Sikorsky design feature provides IR suppressors that are built into the tail-boom, providing ample length for complete and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through inlets above the tail. The mixed exhaust is discharged through slots built into an inverted shelf on the sides of the tail-boom. The gases are cooled so thoroughly that a heat-seeking missile cannot find and lock-on to the Comanche.
Crew Protection. The Comanche features a crew compartment sealed for protection against chemical or biological threats, an airframe resilient against ballistic damage, enhanced crash-worthiness, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
Maintainability. Comanche will be easily sustained, will require fewer personnel and support equipment, and will provide a decisive battlefield capability in day, night and adverse weather operations. Comanche has been designed to be exceptionally maintainable and easily transportable. Through its keel-beam construction, numerous access panels, easily accessible line-replaceable units/modules and advanced diagnostics, the RAH-66 possesses "designed-in" maintainability. Comanche aircraft will be able to be rapidly loaded into or unloaded from any Air Force transport aircraft.
General Characteristics, RAH-66 Comanche
Manufacturer:
Boeing Sikorsky
Power Plant:
Two T800 1,440 SHP gas turbine engines
Thrust:
1,052 shaft horsepower
Length:
47.84 feet (14.58 feet)
Width:
7.58 feet (2.31 meters)
Height:
11 feet (3.35 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
39.04 feet (11.90 meters)
Weight:
9,300 pounds empty
Primary mission:
12,349 pounds w/o radar
12,784 pounds with radar
Speed:
172 knots (330 kph) dash speed
161 knots (310 kph) cruise speed
Range:
1,200 nautical miles w/o radar
860 nautical miles with radar
Crew:
Two
Armament:
Three-barrel 20 mm Gatling gun
Stinger, Starstreak or Mistral air-to-air missiles
TOW II, Hot II or Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missiles
Sura D 81 mm, Snora 81 mm, or Hydra 70 rockets
Army Counter Air Weapon System
Date of First Flight:
1996
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Indian Campaign Medal wit
INDIAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL
1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 ? inches in diameter, a mounted Indian facing sinister, wearing a war bonnet, and carrying a spear in his right hand. Above the horseman are the words "INDIAN WARS" and below, on either side of a buffalo head, a conventional arrangement of arrowheads, completing a circle. The reverse is a spread eagle on a trophy consisting of a cannon, six rifles and four standards, an Indian shield, quiver of arrows and three spears, a Cuban machete and a Sulu kris. Below the trophy are the words "FOR SERVICE". The whole is surrounded by a circle composed of the words "UNITED STATES ARMY" in the upper half and thirteen stars in the lower half.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: ? inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/16 in Black 67138; ? inch Old Glory Red; 3/16 inch Black; and ? inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria: The Indian Campaign Medal was awarded for service in any of the following campaigns:
a. Southern Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, and Nevada between 1865 and 1868.
b. Against the Comanches and confederate tribes in Kansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and Indian Territory between 1867 and 1875.
c. Modoc War between 1872 and 1873.
d. Against the Apaches in Arizona in 1873.
e. Against Northern Cheyenne and Sioux between 1876 and 1877.
f. Nez Perce War in 1877.
g. Bannock War in 1878.
h. Against the Northern Cheyenne between 1878 and 1879.
i. Against the Sheep-Eaters, Paiutes, Bannocks between June and October 1879.
j. Against the Utes in Colorado and Utah between September 1879 and November 1880.
k. Against the Apaches in Arizona and New Mexico between 1885 and 1886.
l. Against the Sioux in South Dakota between November 1890 and January 1891.
m. Against hostile Indians in any other action in which United States troops were killed or wounded between 1865 and 1891.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/192. No longer stocked.
b. Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3943/192. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/75. Available commercially.
d. Streamers for units receiving campaign credit - manual requisitions in accordance with AR 840-10.
5. Background:
a. The Indian Campaign Medal was established by War Department General Orders 12 in 1907. It was created at the same time as the Civil War Campaign Medal.
b. The initial ribbon was all red; however, two black stripes were added in December 1917 because of the similarity to a ribbon used by the French for the French Legion of Honor.
c. Campaign streamers of the same design as the service ribbon are authorized for display by units receiving campaign credit participation for the Indian Wars. The inscriptions for streamers displayed on the organizational flag will be as indicated in the unit's lineage and honors. The inscriptions for the 14 streamers displayed on the Army flag are listed in AR 840-10 and AR 600-8-22.
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David
Wed August 3, 2005 12:46pm
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Captain Keogh's claybank
Captain Keogh's claybank gelding, Comanche, was the only survivor of the battle for the U.S. Army. Near death with arrow and bullet wounds, the horse was found on the battlefield on June 27 and, with Reno's wounded soldiers, was taken aboard the steamer Far West for the journey back to Fort Lincoln. Comanche's remains are now enshrined at the University of Kansas.
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