Hey yoos crazy guys,
Call me a bluff old traditionalist, but I seem to remember that the two most successful 'gunship' helicopters (Cobra and Hind) were originally built off the dynamic components of existing utility helicopters. If the US Army wants to get an advanced scout helicopter in the same type of fashion, might I suggest the BA 609 Tilt-rotor?
With a modified slimline fuselage and the 6-8 person pax capacity reassigned to 2 crew+sensors/weapons, there must be the capability to perform many of the Comanche's roles surely? (not to mention that substantial money has already been spent on the aircraft and it would have a much greater range and speed than the R-66). I suppose it could also realistically be fitted with ejection seats which would improve combat survival rates and leave an 'out' for the VRS flight testing crew).
If I were Bell-Augusta I would already be getting out the old etch-a-sketch and phoning 'revolving door' buddies in the Pentagon right now.
The Flug Thing
