Exploiting Technology: Should the United States Employ the RAH-66 Comanche to Perform Sead Missions?

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph discusses employment of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter to determine whether the United States Army should use it as an asset to perform suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions. The Army does not utilize its aircraft to deliberately seek out and attack enemy air defense systems. The Army relies on the United States Air Force to conduct deliberate SEAD operations. The monograph begins with an introduction to describe the nature of the problem. The next section contains a description of the typical integrated air defense system (lADS) and its specific component weapon types in order to establish a framework for analysis. The purpose of the third section is to determine whether the Comanche is technologically capable of performing SEAD operations. The fourth section consists of a discussion of the tactical feasibility of suppressing enemy air defenses with the Comanche. The fifth section focuses on implications of using the Comanche as a SEAD platform in terms of battlefield responsibilities, doctrine, training and attitudes. The monograph concludes with the answer to the research problem.