Walter Boyne: Why everyone misinterpreted Stealth Black Hawk story
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/05/walter-boyne-why-everyone-misi.html
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/05/walter-boyne-why-everyone-misi.html
"I think it gave [the public] a sense of pride and self-sufficiency," Boyne said. "For me to think that the United States of America with 4.9% of [gross domestic product] devoted to defence can at best field four modified stealth helicopters when engaged in three wars is shameful."
In Boyne's view, the knowledge that US special operations still rely on bolt-on stealth kits reveals the US vertical lift aircraft industry is still mired in the aerodynamic and signature limitations of the Vietnam-era. The fact that one helicopter crashed during the operation allegedly due to power settling -- ironically, revealing the programme's existence -- should come as no surprise, Boyne said.
The Black Hawk "is still a 30-year old design," Boyne said. "When you put on aftermarket stealth it degrades your performance."