The best Western Cold War Attack Helicopter project

[uk 75]

Knowing how popular helicopters are here I thought I would try this one out.
In the 1970s the US cancelled the futuristic but troubled Lockheed AH56 Cheyenne in favour of a new competition which Hughes won with the Apache leaving modified Huey Cobra variants designed for Vietnam to serve well after the Cold War finished.
In the same timescale France and Germany started with observation helicopters armed with anti tank missiles before embarking on various designs which finally entered service long after the Cold War ended as the Eurocopter Tiger. Likewise
the Brits started with similar helos and did not get its own Apaches until this Century.
The Soviets meanwhile introduced the Mil24 to all its allies.
In hindsight couldnt the West have done a better job, but with which type?

 

[sferrin]

The Cheyenne wasn't anymore "troubled" than any other new program. The Cheyenne would be my first choice (though that pivoting seat could proibably go). S-67 Blackhawk my second.

 

[riggerrob]

Since Sikorsky's S-67 was based on proven S-61 Sea King dynamic components, it would have been quick to reach production.

 

[uk 75]

A Westland and Agusta licence build of S67s?

 

[Grey Havoc]

The VFW Fokker/Westland Helicopters P 227 (also known as the P.227) might have been have been able to be brought into service far sooner (and better?) than what eventually became the Eurocopter (now Airbus) Tiger.

(h/t Overscan and Jazz)

 

[uk 75]

Grey Havoc
I had forgotten about this project.
It would have made the row over the Westland company even more bitter. The UK would probably have still gone for the US candidate.

 

[Grey Havoc]

The UK would probably have still gone for the US candidate.

Possibly.