The Consolidated Test Team working on the Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche attack helicopter has begun to expand the high-speed envelope and plans to make first tests of the aircraft's unique "snap-turn" capability shortly.
After a slow start, caused by two major updates and down periods, the team has started to make rapid progress with the envelope expansion, having reached 152kt (280km/h) calibrated airspeed (160kt true airspeed) in September.
Rus Stiles, chief programme pilot for the RAH-66, says: "We plan to add further flight-mission stabilisation modes, and focus on expanding the full speed envelope. We also plan to test manoeuverability and the snap turn in which we use yaw control to turn the aircraft at speeds up to 100kt".
The snap turn is achieved without the use of the foot pedals which are normally used to control yaw with the tail rotor. The turn will be made by twisting the small displacement side-arm controls.
Source: Flight International
