Introduction

Since Vietnam, the United States has been the undisputed master of the skies, new budgets are putting this superiority in jeopardy. Our first "super-chopper" was the AH-64 Apache. It was the most advanced production chopper of it's time. Then we came out with the OH-58D Kiowa, the quietest helicoptor in history. The last "super-chopper" was the RAH-66 Commanche. It however was cutback in order to upgrade the AH-64's to longbow standards. The Apache has several marked disadvantages when compared to the Commanches. currently the Kiowas scout for the Apaches but the Commanche can do that by itself for less fuel and less risk. We are crippling our ultimate weapons before they come online.

Outline

Title: Future Wars Already Lost?
Intro
I A Commanche orders cutback.
B New Longbow production and upgrade orders.
Body
II A Survivability,
B capability,
C cost,
D weapon loadouts,
E training required,
III A Reasoning behind cutbacks.
B actual money savings.
C units produced with old and new budgets.

Wonder Post

I have already gotten specs lists for both helicopters i will be researching. I also have a head2head comparison of them on a independent website. I will have to compile this data with budget figures, upkeep costs, initial costs, and longterm savings/capability. I have changed my research topic twice now. My topic now is very easy to get information on but the budget figures are still hard to find. Research is easy. the hard part is to compile everything. I still have trouble distilling it all down to a short paper. I have a tendency to put in too much detail when it is not needed. I also enjoy the research since it is on a topic which i am good at. i love making comparisons about weaponry capability and about new technologies. These things interest me so i work harder on them.

Primary resource

I will talk to my cousin who works at Sikorsky to see if she can get me in touch with anyone.

Cutbacks

Was the cutback of orders for the RAH-66 worth the disadvantages that the AH-64 Apache Longbows have?

This site has specs on the commanchee and the date of cancellation.
18 2004. US Army. 26 Oct. 2005
.

This site has basic information on the research and developement of the Commanche program and some of the costs involved.
12 2004. FAS Military Analysis Network. 26 Oct. 2005 .

This site has the details about the AH-64 Longbow.
08 2003. FAS Military Analysis Network. 01 Nov. 2005 .

This Site has details about the mission capability of the Longbow
Boeing. 01 Nov. 2005 .

Wonder

I wonder what affect if any colloids could have on sound waves? I mean if a thin coating of a colloidal material could refract sound waves of different frequencies around a sub then it would be almost invisible to active sonar! This alone could increase survibility in a combat environment by 100-400% instantly. Think of the possibilities beyond that even. Soundproofed rooms, smaller speakers, quiter cars, or even silent supersonic aircraft! Think about it; we could live in an area with a tenth the noise pollution with little or no extra effort.