ARH-69 Tunica
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VH-69 Tunica
The RAH-69 Tunica is a variant of a helicopter developed by Treadstone Industries for the civil aerospace market, weaponised and modified to carry reconnaissance equipment at the request of the US military. The RAH-69 saccrificed much of the original aircraft's passenger accomodation in order to carry an extensive range of weapons and surveillance equipment, as well as a dedicated communications officer.
While the RAH-69 only saw limited use during the 1970s and beyond, the designation VH-69 is still used to describe unmodified versions of the craft being used by the military as a staff transport for senior officers.
Variants very similar to the RAH-69 were sold internationally to other militaries. One group in particular to purchase units was Operation: Damocles from Great Britain, who selected the craft to blur the connections between Damocles and the British military, and create an air of potential deniability.
The design later formed the basis for the UH-73 Choctaw.
Out of Character
Like the Apache, Comanche, Iroquois, and a variety of other military helicopters, the RAH-69 Tunica is named after a Native American tribe. Specifically, it is named after a tribe that is currently native to Louisiana, where Treadstone Industries is based.
It's appearence is based on the HX-1, a modified Sikorsky S-76 that appeared in the television series Airwolf.
