RW-1
12th Feb 2002, 19:16
First Comanche Retires
Comanche Prototype No. 1 Completes Flight Test Schedule, Makes Way for The Duke
Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche Prototype No. 1 is preparing for retirement after successfully completing its final scheduled test flight on Jan. 30.
"From the start, Comanche Prototype No. 1 demonstrated superior flight qualities," said Chuck Allen, Comanche Program Office director. "Our test pilots were very satisfied with its performance, and it provided precisely the information we needed to improve the design as we progress toward production."
During its final flight, the test aircraft evaluated a new fan dynamic pitch flight control algorithm. Recently, Prototype No. 1 also tested variable stiffness landing gear used for landing on uneven terrain, and new, longer rotor blades with anhedral tips. The flight evaluations may lead to design improvements in these components.
"Prototype No. 1 exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did it perform beyond predictions, from day one it was a blast to fly," said Rus Stiles, Comanche program chief test pilot. "Its reliability also was impressive.
Despite the fact that the aircraft was filled with new technology systems, we never had an in-flight abort due to component failure. That is a real testimony to the First Team of Comanche suppliers."
Production of Prototype No. 1 began in the Comanche program's full-scale development phase in 1993 and 1994. The aircraft rolled out in May 1995 during ceremonies at Sikorsky Aircraft's Stratford (CT), facilities.
After transport to the Comanche Team's flight test facility in West Palm Beach (FL), No. 1 completed its first flight on Jan. 4, 1996.. .The prototype's primary mission was to evaluate the Comanche's flight control software and handling qualities throughout the rotorcraft's flight envelope. It completed these tasks and more in six years, accumulating 387.1 flight hours during 318 sorties.
Prototype No. 1 will complete a series of post-flight inspections and a preservation process that will permit it to serve as a backup aircraft for Prototype No. 2. It will also be on display at the Association of the United States Army's Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale (FL), February 27 through March 1.
The second test aircraft, nicknamed The Duke, to honor actor John Wayne, will resume flight-testing later this spring. No. 2, which will focus on validation of Comanche mission equipment package systems, first flew in 1998 and has accumulated 103.5 flight hours in 93 events.. .FMI: <a href="http://www.sikorsky.com," target="_blank">www.sikorsky.com,</a> <a href="http://www.boeing.com" target="_blank">www.boeing.com</a>
Hey Nick, if it's going to be in Laud, just let it retire to my hangar afterwards, I'll keep it waxed and clean hehe .... :)
Comanche Prototype No. 1 Completes Flight Test Schedule, Makes Way for The Duke
Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche Prototype No. 1 is preparing for retirement after successfully completing its final scheduled test flight on Jan. 30.
"From the start, Comanche Prototype No. 1 demonstrated superior flight qualities," said Chuck Allen, Comanche Program Office director. "Our test pilots were very satisfied with its performance, and it provided precisely the information we needed to improve the design as we progress toward production."
During its final flight, the test aircraft evaluated a new fan dynamic pitch flight control algorithm. Recently, Prototype No. 1 also tested variable stiffness landing gear used for landing on uneven terrain, and new, longer rotor blades with anhedral tips. The flight evaluations may lead to design improvements in these components.
"Prototype No. 1 exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did it perform beyond predictions, from day one it was a blast to fly," said Rus Stiles, Comanche program chief test pilot. "Its reliability also was impressive.
Despite the fact that the aircraft was filled with new technology systems, we never had an in-flight abort due to component failure. That is a real testimony to the First Team of Comanche suppliers."
Production of Prototype No. 1 began in the Comanche program's full-scale development phase in 1993 and 1994. The aircraft rolled out in May 1995 during ceremonies at Sikorsky Aircraft's Stratford (CT), facilities.
After transport to the Comanche Team's flight test facility in West Palm Beach (FL), No. 1 completed its first flight on Jan. 4, 1996.. .The prototype's primary mission was to evaluate the Comanche's flight control software and handling qualities throughout the rotorcraft's flight envelope. It completed these tasks and more in six years, accumulating 387.1 flight hours during 318 sorties.
Prototype No. 1 will complete a series of post-flight inspections and a preservation process that will permit it to serve as a backup aircraft for Prototype No. 2. It will also be on display at the Association of the United States Army's Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale (FL), February 27 through March 1.
The second test aircraft, nicknamed The Duke, to honor actor John Wayne, will resume flight-testing later this spring. No. 2, which will focus on validation of Comanche mission equipment package systems, first flew in 1998 and has accumulated 103.5 flight hours in 93 events.. .FMI: <a href="http://www.sikorsky.com," target="_blank">www.sikorsky.com,</a> <a href="http://www.boeing.com" target="_blank">www.boeing.com</a>
Hey Nick, if it's going to be in Laud, just let it retire to my hangar afterwards, I'll keep it waxed and clean hehe .... :)