Stealth helicopters are
helicopters that incorporate
stealth technology to avoid detection.
[1] In recent years, designs for blades have emerged that can significantly reduce the noise,
[2] which is a major issue for clandestine use of helicopters.
[3] A raid on the compound of
Osama bin Laden in May 2011 utilized what appeared to be two
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks, heavily modified for quieter operations and employing stealth technology to be less visible to radar.
[4][5]
Examples
Orthographically projected diagram of the UH-60A Black Hawk for comparison
There have been a few stealth helicopters:
[6][7][N 1][N 2]
- A modified Hughes 500P (1972), nicknamed "The Quiet One" had reduced noise operation capability and was used once by the CIA during the Vietnam War to deploy a wiretap.[9]
- The Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche
(1996-2004) is a stealth helicopter; the type was intended for to be
used for reconnaissance missions by the US Army, however the development
project was cancelled during the prototype stage due to escalating
costs and considerable technical issues experienced.[4]
- One or multiple of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks used in the raid upon Osama bin Laden's compound
on 1 May 2011 are believed to have featured stealth technologies. These
features are said to include specialized materials, and the use of
harsh angles and flat surfaces across the exterior fuselage, techniques
previously employed upon other stealth aircraft.[10][11][12][13][14]
- Several helicopters, such as the HAL Light Combat Helicopter and Eurocopter Tiger,
are said to feature presence-reduction measures or 'stealth'. The use
of advanced composite materials on the airframe has commonly resulting
in reductions in an aircraft's radar cross-section (RCS).[15]
In the case of the Eurocopter Tiger, measures were taken to produce
minimal visual, radar, infra-red and acoustic signatures to improve
battlefield survivability.[16][17] HAL's Light Combat Helicopter is reported to feature a digital camouflage system.[18]
See also
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