If the EOTAD system was driven beyond its range the torque tube would prevent damage to the system by separating. At the heart of the device, was a 3-D seat design that allowed for the device to separate where the torque limit was exceeded but the seat would remain intact within its operating range. The torque-limiting device “Torque Tube” was designed from beryllium, 440c steel and stainless steel to provide an overall torque-limiting device. One of the key components that Peregrine assisted on was the torque limiting device to prevent damage to the EOTAD system when the direction of the system was driven too far to left or too far to the right. Peregrine worked with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control systems on the Electro Optics Target Acquisition and Designation System (EOTADS). The first complete EOSS system was delivered in June 2003. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control developed the EOSS (electro-optics sensor system) which comprised: EOTADS (electro-optics target acquisition and designation system), including solid-state TV sensor, two-color laser rangefinder/designator, second-generation focal plane array long-wave FLIR (forward-looking infrared), and NVPS (night-vision pilotage system) with a second FLIR. The analyzed data was presented to the crew in the cockpit displays or transmitted to other elements of the force, providing direct relay of near real time intelligence. Northrop Grumman TASS (target acquisition system software) functions included automatic target tracking and target threat management. This system carried out sensor data fusion, high-speed analysis and correlation of the sensor data. ![]() The Comanche was equipped with a suite of passive sensors and a computer-aided Northrop Grumman mission planning system. The rear rotor was able to withstand impact by 12.7mm rounds and provided a 180° turn in 4.7 seconds in hover mode and an 80kt snap-turn-to-target in 4.5 seconds. The helicopter had a composite five-blade bearingless main rotor and an enclosed composite fantail rotor for increased anti-torque capability. The radar cross section was minimized primarily by the precisely shaped fuselage and internal weapons configuration. The airframe of the Comanche RAH-66 was crashworthy and ballistically tolerant to 23mm gunfire. In an armed reconnaissance mission, Comanche could recognize and identify targets and digitally transmit the information to the battlefield commander in near real-time, select the optimum force deployment and coordinate the attack. The program entered engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) in June 2000, which required the construction of nine aircraft in addition to two prototypes. This is the Comanche history, as told by the some of the key members of the Comanche development team.The Comanche RAH-66 reconnaissance and attack helicopter was developed by Boeing and Sikorsky for the US Army. This is the story of a program that enjoyed strong support at the most senior levels of the Army and DoD – until it didn't. From 1991 to 2004 Comanche went through six program restructures, mostly due to reductions and stretch-outs in Army funding. The program never stayed stable for more than a few years at a time. This is a story of great accomplishment and much frustration. So, what happened? How did Comanche become expendable? How did a program that was originally scheduled to enter Low Rate Initial Production in 1996 get delayed to 2011? How did an aircraft originally designed to replace the Army's light scout/attack fleet grow to become a virtual replacement for the much larger, heavier AH-64 Apache? Army rotorcraft fleet so it would remain viable in Afghanistan and Iraq.… This terrible choice was necessitated by the lack of sufficient funds for vertical lift aviation.” Then, with only two prototypes completed, the Comanche had to be sacrificed in 2003 to field upgrades to the existing U.S. ![]() First, inadequate R&D funding levels during the Clinton administration stretched out its development over two decades. Mike Hirschberg, executive director of the Vertical Flight Society, wrote in the January/February 2017 issue of Vertiflite magazine: “The RAH-66 Comanche was the most advanced helicopter ever built. Cody also reportedly said the aircraft was ‘easy to fly’ and should be put into the hands of soldiers as soon as possible.” Twelve weeks later the program was cancelled. ![]() …Cody said that the Comanche had ‘exceeded his expectations’ and was particularly impressed by the rotor system, engine response and control. According to the January 2004 issue of National Defense he “…gave the aircraft a stellar review. Cody, Army Deputy Chief of Staff and an experienced aviator, flew the Comanche.
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