Meet the RAH-66 Comanche, a stealthy reconnaissance and attack helicopter developed during the late Cold War to counter high-tech threats, which was ultimately rendered obsolete due to shifting military priorities and rising project costs.
RAH-66 Comanche: A Premium Attack Helicopter for the USA at Rank VI
At a glance:
- Reduced radar and IR signature
- Excellent flight characteristics
- 20 mm rotary cannon
- Advanced precision weapons
The Kit Includes:
- RAH-66 Comanche (Rank VI, USA)
- Premium account for 15 days
- 2000 Golden Eagles
- Pre-order bonus: unique title “The Duke”
- Pre-order bonus: unique “War Chief” decal
Vehicle History
The RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced stealth reconnaissance and attack helicopter developed by Boeing–Sikorsky for the U.S. Army during the late Cold War and post-Cold War era. Initiated in the early 1980s under the Light Helicopter Experimental (LHX) program, it aimed to replace aging scout helicopters like the OH-58 Kiowa. Designed with stealth features, advanced avionics, and fly-by-wire controls, the Comanche was intended to penetrate deep into enemy territory undetected. It reflected Cold War priorities of fighting a technologically advanced adversary, primarily the Soviet Union, in a conventional battlefield. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and shifting military needs, the program’s relevance declined as asymmetric warfare and counterinsurgency became the new prevalent concerns. The RAH-66 faced repeated delays and escalating costs, which played a key factor in the project’s ultimate cancellation.
By 2004, after producing two prototypes, the U.S. Army terminated the program to redirect funds toward upgrades of existing helicopters and unmanned systems, which were to fulfill the same purpose as the originally envisioned Comanche. Although the project never reached completion, the Comanche contributed valuable research know-how in stealth rotorcraft and systems integration.
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Introducing the RAH-66 Comanche!
The RAH-66 Comanche is a unique light attack helicopter, incorporating several experimental technologies with the aim of decreasing the vehicle’s detection on a modern battlefield. Coming soon in the Leviathans major update, this futuristic-looking helicopter is available to pre-order starting today! Now, let’s take a look!
Visually speaking, the RAH-66 Comanche gives off the impression of a quick and highly agile helicopter. The vehicle not only owes this to its sleek design and use of lightweight composite materials, but also to its pair of T800 turboshaft engines, generating over 1,500 HP each. As a result, the Comanche can attain top speeds of over 200 mph (324 km/h), earning its place among War Thunder’s most nimble helicopters!
Although fast, the Comanche’s unchallenged ace up its sleeve remains its stealth capabilities. Thanks to the specific geometry, the Comanche is capable of alluding radar detection until it closes in much more to its target compared to conventional helicopters with the same size. Therefore, much like the F-117 Nighthawk, you’ll get the chance to deliver strikes much more precisely, while delaying or even avoiding detection by enemy radar altogether.
Interesting: At the time of its cancellation in 2004, the Comanche project had cost the U.S. Government over $6.9 billion.
Getting to the target is one thing, albeit an important one. But at least equally important is the question of what to take the target out with? For this, the Comanche has a selection of most proven American ordnance options, ranging from Hellfire and Stinger missiles to Hydra rocket pods. Additionally, you’ll always be able to rely on a nose-mounted 20 mm rotary cannon to strafe lightly armored ground vehicles or shoot down hostile helicopters in the area.
A unique feature of the Comanche, not found on other helicopters is its ability to stow away its payload in internally folding pylons. As these offer only a limited number of hardpoints, you can choose to further augment the helicopter’s payload by strapping on stub wings, enabling the Comanche to carry an increased number of suspended ordnance into combat.
The cutting-edge Comanche can be pre-ordered starting from today and will soon be making its way to reshape the combat dynamics on the battlefields of War Thunder after its arrival to the game as part of the Leviathans major update. That’s today’s devblog wrapped. Be sure to stay tuned to the news for more sneak peaks at the new additions awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
