The Sikorsky RAH-72 Blackfoot was born out of the ashes of the dead RAH-66 Comanche project. Sikorsky recognized the need for an extremely light, nimble recon/attack helicopter, but did not want the project to cost nearly as much as the RAH-66 was supposed to be. From this, the RAH-72 project was born.

To cut costs, the RAH-72 was built with two General Electric T700-GE-201C turboshafts, that gave the RAH-72 a raw power of 3600HP. A 6 bladed, creased rotor was fitted to improve quietness and propeller efficiency. Airspeed and maneuverability was greatly improved by using a light alloy material to construct the airframe of the Blackfoot, although it did sacrifice armor.

A special flap system installed on the wings of the Blackfoot gave the blackfoot enhanced maneuverability, and the tail rotor was also cambered at a sharp angle to increase yaw speed and response time. The Blackfoot was designed for quick recon and evasion of SAMs and missiles, and was therefore fitted with extra flares.

The RAH-72 holds a small but solid armament. For CAS, self defense, and other such mission types, the RAH-72 is outfitted with the Apache's 30mm cannon, and can shoot within a wide POV. Also, for anti-tank and SEAD missions, the RAH-72 is outfitted with 38 Hydra rockets, allowing it multirole capabilities on the modern battlefield.