Rodram ==> a note on the Comanche Program:
http://pogoarchives.org/m/dp/dp-nbc-02232004.pdf
We've gone off track with this thread a little bit; however, talking about the toys being used relating to UBL may be okay (a staff decision); however, I have some thoughts.
It's really a shame they cancelled that helicopter. It was a wonder of modern technology.
And for those of you wondering if it would be useful....well hardly an helicopter would be brought down by an AK unless something is very wrong with its maintenance. An Apache can withstand hits of bullets up to 12.7mm, 23mm in the most important and sensitive areas. The comanche has similar levels of endurance and if the problem was indeed maintenance that would be much less of an issue with comanches's improved modular electronics and remove-and-replace system.
Besides, most of the choppers shot down in Iraq and Afghanistan were hit by heat seeking rockets. Comanche radiates only 25% as much heat as an Apache and relies on a IR supressor that cools down gases coming from the exhausts to such an extent that a heat seeking missile can't lock on to it. Hardly any of those rockets use radar to reach their targets but if that were the case they wouldn't be too efficient against an helicopter with a radar signature smaller than a hellfire missile. Even if it were sound....a comanche makes about 50% less noise than an Apache.
Add to that an incredible manouverability and speed, an impressive array of sensors, ability to operate day and night, in bad weather and harsh desert conditions, and the capacity to quickly collect, analyze and disseminate huge amounts of info and you'll agree that it would be the best possible (manned) replacement for an Apache in its current role in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now if UCAV's are the reason....well then ==> let's make a cockpit-less comanche, either operating independently or with remote control.
DON'T JUST USE THAT TECH ON OLDER CHOPPERS!!</B>