Gunship Academy

by Richard Sheffield

Why the Hughes YAH-64?

This choice was made based on a number of reasons, the two most important of which were that the four-blade rotor would allow the Hughes model to operate in more confined areas due to its smaller diameter and the landing gear of the Hughes model had a wider stance. This made it more stable on sloping terrain.

Phase II of the program was now facing Hughes, and they had problems already. The Ford Administration had approved $200 million for this phase of development, but when Jimmy Carter came into office, this amount was cut to $100 million. The Congress disagreed and reinstated funding in the amount of $165 million. This compromise amount allowed the Phase II program to be finished in 56 months, just 6 months longer than proposed under the $200 million figure.

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