Second Comanche makes first flight

Boeing Sikorsky has flown the second RAH-66 Comanche scout/attack helicopter. The aircraft completed a 30min first flight at Sikorksy's West Palm Beach, Florida, test centre on 30 March.

The second RAH-66 will be used to test the Comanche mission equipment package (MEP). Initial testing will evaluate the digital flight control system, and the team is seeking additional funds to keep the aircraft operational until MEP testing begins in 2001.

Meanwhile, the US Army has modified the Comanche contract to prepare for launch of the $3.1 billion engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) programme next year. Under EMD, 13 pre-production prototypes with production MEP capability will be delivered in 2003 and 2004.

Development of the fire-control radar will be accelerated to make the sensor available by initial operational capability in 2006.

Source: Flight International