Title: V-22 Osprey
Description: news, updates, upgrades
Description: news, updates, upgrades
adroth - December 10, 2004 01:57 AM (GMT)
Makes one wonder what sorts of helicopter assets will be freed up for FMA when the Osprey goes into service.
OSPREY COMPLETES FINAL SHIPBOARD DEVELOPMENTAL TESTING
02-Dec-04
By Ward Carroll, NAVAIR (V-22) Public Affairs Officer
http://pma275.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fu...tail&news_id=95
The V-22 Integrated Test Team conducted Shipboard Suitability Phase IVc for ten days beginning on November 12. This was the fourth and final underway period for the ITT since the program’s return to flight in May of 2002. Phase IVc’s successful completion was an important step on the path toward the Osprey’s operational evaluation early next year.
The primary objective of this phase was to complete interaction testing between a V-22 parked on the flight deck and another V-22 hovering in front of it. Additional test objectives included flight envelope expansion for all port side landing spots aboard the LHD, developing a night short takeoff envelope, and evaluating the latest flight control software version.
“The team was able to get a lot done during our time underway,” said Bill Geyer, the ITT’s lead shipboard suitability engineer. “The data we gathered will help us close the book on MV-22 shipboard developmental test. We’ve given the operational testers and, in turn, the fleet the tools for success at sea.”
While the ITT was busy working on the Wasp’s flight deck, a group of maintainers from VMX-22, the V-22 operational test and evaluation squadron based at MCAS New River, were in the hangar bay conducting maintenance demonstration testing. Tests included removing both engines, jacking the aircraft and cycling the landing gear, and removing prop-rotor hubs and blade assemblies. The VMX-22 team’s findings will serve them well during the squadron’s upcoming operational evaluation.
Geyer was quick to attribute the ITT’s success to their hosts. “The Wasp was excellent,” he said. “The bridge team went out of its way to get us the winds we needed, and the Air Department was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done for us. Overall, it was the best experience I’ve ever had at sea while conducting tests.”
OSPREY COMPLETES FINAL SHIPBOARD DEVELOPMENTAL TESTING
02-Dec-04
By Ward Carroll, NAVAIR (V-22) Public Affairs Officer
http://pma275.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fu...tail&news_id=95
The V-22 Integrated Test Team conducted Shipboard Suitability Phase IVc for ten days beginning on November 12. This was the fourth and final underway period for the ITT since the program’s return to flight in May of 2002. Phase IVc’s successful completion was an important step on the path toward the Osprey’s operational evaluation early next year.
The primary objective of this phase was to complete interaction testing between a V-22 parked on the flight deck and another V-22 hovering in front of it. Additional test objectives included flight envelope expansion for all port side landing spots aboard the LHD, developing a night short takeoff envelope, and evaluating the latest flight control software version.
“The team was able to get a lot done during our time underway,” said Bill Geyer, the ITT’s lead shipboard suitability engineer. “The data we gathered will help us close the book on MV-22 shipboard developmental test. We’ve given the operational testers and, in turn, the fleet the tools for success at sea.”
While the ITT was busy working on the Wasp’s flight deck, a group of maintainers from VMX-22, the V-22 operational test and evaluation squadron based at MCAS New River, were in the hangar bay conducting maintenance demonstration testing. Tests included removing both engines, jacking the aircraft and cycling the landing gear, and removing prop-rotor hubs and blade assemblies. The VMX-22 team’s findings will serve them well during the squadron’s upcoming operational evaluation.
Geyer was quick to attribute the ITT’s success to their hosts. “The Wasp was excellent,” he said. “The bridge team went out of its way to get us the winds we needed, and the Air Department was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done for us. Overall, it was the best experience I’ve ever had at sea while conducting tests.”
ColdDeadFish - December 10, 2004 05:33 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (adroth @ Dec 10 2004, 09:57 AM) |
| Makes one wonder what sorts of helicopter assets will be freed up for FMA when the Osprey goes into service. |
wow finally after almost ten years, 6 years ago I saw it in a Norfolk naval demo and it was in experimental and has so many setbacks due to crashes during testing and the bugs in flight transition.
The bastards who made money out of it ought to make it work else can't hide it from congressional inquiry.
Iron Dragon - December 16, 2004 07:18 AM (GMT)
Related story:
Marine Pilots Land Ospreys On Kearsarge
Story Number: NNS041214-01
Release Date: 12/14/2004 8:13:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Robert Keilman, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- For the first time, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) conducted landing operations with the MV-22 Osprey.
The landing operations, which took place Dec. 7-13, was an effort to qualify 23 Marine Corps pilots from Marine Tilt Rotor Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22 on day deck landings, as well as to provide a “foundation” of experience for future operations.
“These operational landings are not only giving us a foundation for operations in the fleet, they’re also giving us time to find things that we don’t like about the Osprey and what we want done differently,” said Marine Corps Maj. Robert Freeland, an Osprey pilot and the assistant operations officer for VMX-22, located at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N.C.
To complete their qualifications in accordance with the Marine Corps Training and Readiness Manual for air crew, the pilots performed a minimum of five landings on the ship’s port side of the flight deck; two spots on the forward end of the flight deck (spots two and four); and two on the aft section (spots seven and nine). In addition to their qualification, the pilots performed a minimum of two short takeoffs.
Of all the landing spots on the flight deck, spot seven is considered the most challenging of the four spots because of its location near the ship’s island, which narrows the landing space for the aircraft. However, with the skill of the pilots and the ship’s flight deck crew, the operation encountered no problems.
“Before the operation began, the flight deck crew was a little skeptical about the safety of the operation, because of all the news reports of incidents and accidents that occurred with the Osprey four years ago,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW) Robert Sacks, Safety Department leading chief petty officer on board Kearsarge. “However, I think the operation went well, and I feel everyone else agrees.”
The Osprey was introduced to the Marine Corps in September 1999 to replace the CH-46E and CH-53D medium lift helicopters, but was put on hold during its testing phase after a mishap in 2000 killed 23 Marines. Since that time, Bell Helicopter Textron and Boeing have redesigned the aircraft, making it both lighter and safer.
The Osprey can now carry up to 24 combat-equipped personnel or a 15,000-pound load. It can vertically take off like a helicopter, then rotate its engines 90 degrees, turning into a turbo-prop aircraft that can travel at speeds over 240 knots.
For related news, visit the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd3.
Marine Pilots Land Ospreys On Kearsarge
Story Number: NNS041214-01
Release Date: 12/14/2004 8:13:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Robert Keilman, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- For the first time, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) conducted landing operations with the MV-22 Osprey.
The landing operations, which took place Dec. 7-13, was an effort to qualify 23 Marine Corps pilots from Marine Tilt Rotor Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22 on day deck landings, as well as to provide a “foundation” of experience for future operations.
“These operational landings are not only giving us a foundation for operations in the fleet, they’re also giving us time to find things that we don’t like about the Osprey and what we want done differently,” said Marine Corps Maj. Robert Freeland, an Osprey pilot and the assistant operations officer for VMX-22, located at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N.C.
To complete their qualifications in accordance with the Marine Corps Training and Readiness Manual for air crew, the pilots performed a minimum of five landings on the ship’s port side of the flight deck; two spots on the forward end of the flight deck (spots two and four); and two on the aft section (spots seven and nine). In addition to their qualification, the pilots performed a minimum of two short takeoffs.
Of all the landing spots on the flight deck, spot seven is considered the most challenging of the four spots because of its location near the ship’s island, which narrows the landing space for the aircraft. However, with the skill of the pilots and the ship’s flight deck crew, the operation encountered no problems.
“Before the operation began, the flight deck crew was a little skeptical about the safety of the operation, because of all the news reports of incidents and accidents that occurred with the Osprey four years ago,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW) Robert Sacks, Safety Department leading chief petty officer on board Kearsarge. “However, I think the operation went well, and I feel everyone else agrees.”
The Osprey was introduced to the Marine Corps in September 1999 to replace the CH-46E and CH-53D medium lift helicopters, but was put on hold during its testing phase after a mishap in 2000 killed 23 Marines. Since that time, Bell Helicopter Textron and Boeing have redesigned the aircraft, making it both lighter and safer.
The Osprey can now carry up to 24 combat-equipped personnel or a 15,000-pound load. It can vertically take off like a helicopter, then rotate its engines 90 degrees, turning into a turbo-prop aircraft that can travel at speeds over 240 knots.
For related news, visit the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd3.
548967 - December 16, 2004 08:11 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (ColdDeadFish @ Dec 10 2004, 01:33 PM) | ||
wow finally after almost ten years, 6 years ago I saw it in a Norfolk naval demo and it was in experimental and has so many setbacks due to crashes during testing and the bugs in flight transition. The bastards who made money out of it ought to make it work else can't hide it from congressional inquiry. |
I think its a pretty good platform Cold Dead, why do seem to be skeptical about the Osprey?
ColdDeadFish - December 16, 2004 08:27 AM (GMT)
I do not think it is a bad system and platform, don't get me wrong, but I do think they hyped its delivery date without the beneift of extensive testing on flight transition. I think they soft launched the V22 program for the third time now, then a new bug comes out and delays operational introduction, masyadong minamadali and platform. Good thing the platform does not have to go to space, else we have lotsa dead astronauts. :grrr:
Dreamrider - January 23, 2005 06:57 AM (GMT)
You just might be right CDF!
Citing Problem, Marines Halt Osprey Flights
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The Marine Corps has suspended flights of the tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft after officials discovered that the coating of a crucial part is wearing off faster than expected, the military said Thursday.
Osprey flights were put on "operational pause" but could resume next week, said spokeswoman Capt. Marisol Zammit of Marine Corps Air Station New River, home to the only Marine squadron that is testing Ospreys.
The squadron is awaiting new parts and a new Osprey built with an improved gearbox.
The problem is that the thin chrome coating on an "input quill" — a part within the gearbox that transfers power to the rotors — flakes off, forcing mechanics to replace the boxes.
In six instances, worn equipment has caused a warning light to come on inside the aircraft that indicates a problem with its gearbox, military officials said.
"We changed a couple in December, and we are down to zero in our supply," said Col. Glenn Walters, commander of the Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, which has 14 of the aircraft.
The Osprey was grounded for about 18 months after a pair of crashes in 2000 that killed 19 servicemen in Arizona. Four Marines were killed in another crash that year when an Osprey went down during a training mission near Jacksonville.
LATimes
Citing Problem, Marines Halt Osprey Flights
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The Marine Corps has suspended flights of the tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft after officials discovered that the coating of a crucial part is wearing off faster than expected, the military said Thursday.
Osprey flights were put on "operational pause" but could resume next week, said spokeswoman Capt. Marisol Zammit of Marine Corps Air Station New River, home to the only Marine squadron that is testing Ospreys.
The squadron is awaiting new parts and a new Osprey built with an improved gearbox.
The problem is that the thin chrome coating on an "input quill" — a part within the gearbox that transfers power to the rotors — flakes off, forcing mechanics to replace the boxes.
In six instances, worn equipment has caused a warning light to come on inside the aircraft that indicates a problem with its gearbox, military officials said.
"We changed a couple in December, and we are down to zero in our supply," said Col. Glenn Walters, commander of the Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, which has 14 of the aircraft.
The Osprey was grounded for about 18 months after a pair of crashes in 2000 that killed 19 servicemen in Arizona. Four Marines were killed in another crash that year when an Osprey went down during a training mission near Jacksonville.
LATimes
ColdDeadFish - January 23, 2005 01:03 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Dreamrider @ Jan 23 2005, 02:57 PM) |
| You just might be right CDF! Citing Problem, Marines Halt Osprey Flights LATimes |
There it goes again! The patform is jinxed!
adroth - March 29, 2005 03:37 PM (GMT)
Crash-prone aircraft enters final test phase
Tuesday, March 29, 2005 Posted: 0242 GMT (1042 HKT)
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/03/28/osprey.testing.ap/
JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina (AP) -- The U.S. Marine Corps said final tests began Monday on the military's Osprey aircraft, a helicopter-airplane hybrid that has been plagued by deadly crashes and design problems.
The Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft can land and take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. Commanders say the Osprey can haul more troops and equipment farther than existing helicopters.
It was designed to replace the aging helicopters in the Marine Corps fleet.
The Osprey program has been threatened since 23 Marines died in a pair of crashes during testing in 2000. The manufactures made design changes following an investigation.
The Osprey was also grounded for a few weeks earlier this year because the coating on a part in the gearbox was wearing off faster than expected.
The Marine Corps Web site says each Osprey costs approximately $40 million.
The Marine Corps' tests scheduled through the end of June will help determine whether the Osprey is ready for full production. The Marine Corps has ordered 360 Ospreys, the Navy 48 and the Air Force 50 for special operations.
Testing conditions will include high altitudes, extreme temperatures and desert conditions.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005 Posted: 0242 GMT (1042 HKT)
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/03/28/osprey.testing.ap/
JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina (AP) -- The U.S. Marine Corps said final tests began Monday on the military's Osprey aircraft, a helicopter-airplane hybrid that has been plagued by deadly crashes and design problems.
The Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft can land and take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. Commanders say the Osprey can haul more troops and equipment farther than existing helicopters.
It was designed to replace the aging helicopters in the Marine Corps fleet.
The Osprey program has been threatened since 23 Marines died in a pair of crashes during testing in 2000. The manufactures made design changes following an investigation.
The Osprey was also grounded for a few weeks earlier this year because the coating on a part in the gearbox was wearing off faster than expected.
The Marine Corps Web site says each Osprey costs approximately $40 million.
The Marine Corps' tests scheduled through the end of June will help determine whether the Osprey is ready for full production. The Marine Corps has ordered 360 Ospreys, the Navy 48 and the Air Force 50 for special operations.
Testing conditions will include high altitudes, extreme temperatures and desert conditions.
saver111 - April 19, 2005 11:00 AM (GMT)
saver111 - May 11, 2005 11:29 AM (GMT)
Jump off!
ColdDeadFish - May 11, 2005 11:46 AM (GMT)
my fingers are crossed
adroth - May 11, 2005 02:19 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (saver111 @ Apr 19 2005, 03:00 AM) |
| Testing the Osprey http://www.strangemilitary.com/content/item/103629.html |
Nice pic.
I've also assembled the following thread on one of the fora that I moderate: http://www.worldsarmedforces.com/viewtopic.php?p=5065#5065
Pinoys are still relatively under represented, but we are growing. Wanna join? :thumb:
saver111 - June 8, 2005 08:43 AM (GMT)
In formation
with countermeasures
with countermeasures
saver111 - June 23, 2005 07:16 AM (GMT)
Bataan Breaks Ground With MV-22
US Navy
Jun 20, 2005, 10:00
ATLANTIC OCEAN: USS Bataan (LHD 5) took on eight MV-22 Ospreys and two AV-8B Harriers for training and testing while steaming in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina in June.
For this final operational test phase, Bataan has the largest number of Ospreys on any ship at one time. Along with the aircraft, 185 Marines, including personnel from Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, and representatives from Boeing and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) joined the crew of Bataan.
The greatest benefit from the testing will be the experience future generations of Osprey air crewmen will have to learn from, said Marine Maj. Anthony Bianca, director of Standardization and Safety for VMX-22.
“Before there are V-22 squadrons, we’ve got to look at them in an experimental and test environment and learn things so that we can pass them on, and when the fleet does have the squadrons, the experience will be extremely helpful. We’re helping to spread knowledge about the V-22s.”
The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft. It will replace the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service. What makes the Osprey unique is the 38-foot prop-rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle - the chamber that holds the engine - mounted on each wingtip, allowing it to operate as a helicopter for takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, turning the aircraft into a high-speed, high-altitude and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The testing for the experimental aircraft has just as many benefits for Bataan as it does for the Marine Corps.
“We’re the first 'big deck' to have this many Ospreys, and we’re incorporating them with the different Navy and Marine aircraft,” said Capt. Nora W. Tyson, Bataan’s Commanding Officer. “We have MH-53 Sea Dragons, AH-1 Super Cobras, Harriers and HH-60 Seahawks on board, in addition to the Osprey. It’s the first time they’ve been incorporated together in movement on the flight deck, and the first time they’ve flown together. We’re the first ones to get the experience, and it’s great for the crew.”
The MV-22 is breaking ground not only for Bataan, but also for all amphibious assault ships.
“The MV-22 is replacing two types of aircraft and is the future for the gator Navy,” said Tyson. “Everybody is going to learn from our experience and from our lessons learned - how we moved this aircraft, what worked and what didn’t work. This is going to benefit everybody.”
Bataan’s Air Department had a few challenges working with the new aircraft, but forged ahead.
“We’ve all come together to get the job done,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW/SW) Michael Waldrop, of Bataan’s V-1 Division. “The divisions self-maintain when we’re in port, but as soon as we get out to sea, we all work as one team. The handlers can’t do their job without the 'fuelies' (aviation boatswain’s mates, fuel) and vice versa. We all need each other, so we all help each other out.”
“The crew handled everything very professionally,” said Tyson. “They’ve successfully integrated the aircraft with the landing signalmen (enlisted), the chocks and chains, fuelies, air boss and his crew in flight deck control and the air traffic controllers in the helicopter direction center, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
US Navy
Jun 20, 2005, 10:00
ATLANTIC OCEAN: USS Bataan (LHD 5) took on eight MV-22 Ospreys and two AV-8B Harriers for training and testing while steaming in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina in June.
For this final operational test phase, Bataan has the largest number of Ospreys on any ship at one time. Along with the aircraft, 185 Marines, including personnel from Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, and representatives from Boeing and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) joined the crew of Bataan.
The greatest benefit from the testing will be the experience future generations of Osprey air crewmen will have to learn from, said Marine Maj. Anthony Bianca, director of Standardization and Safety for VMX-22.
“Before there are V-22 squadrons, we’ve got to look at them in an experimental and test environment and learn things so that we can pass them on, and when the fleet does have the squadrons, the experience will be extremely helpful. We’re helping to spread knowledge about the V-22s.”
The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft. It will replace the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service. What makes the Osprey unique is the 38-foot prop-rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle - the chamber that holds the engine - mounted on each wingtip, allowing it to operate as a helicopter for takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, turning the aircraft into a high-speed, high-altitude and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The testing for the experimental aircraft has just as many benefits for Bataan as it does for the Marine Corps.
“We’re the first 'big deck' to have this many Ospreys, and we’re incorporating them with the different Navy and Marine aircraft,” said Capt. Nora W. Tyson, Bataan’s Commanding Officer. “We have MH-53 Sea Dragons, AH-1 Super Cobras, Harriers and HH-60 Seahawks on board, in addition to the Osprey. It’s the first time they’ve been incorporated together in movement on the flight deck, and the first time they’ve flown together. We’re the first ones to get the experience, and it’s great for the crew.”
The MV-22 is breaking ground not only for Bataan, but also for all amphibious assault ships.
“The MV-22 is replacing two types of aircraft and is the future for the gator Navy,” said Tyson. “Everybody is going to learn from our experience and from our lessons learned - how we moved this aircraft, what worked and what didn’t work. This is going to benefit everybody.”
Bataan’s Air Department had a few challenges working with the new aircraft, but forged ahead.
“We’ve all come together to get the job done,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW/SW) Michael Waldrop, of Bataan’s V-1 Division. “The divisions self-maintain when we’re in port, but as soon as we get out to sea, we all work as one team. The handlers can’t do their job without the 'fuelies' (aviation boatswain’s mates, fuel) and vice versa. We all need each other, so we all help each other out.”
“The crew handled everything very professionally,” said Tyson. “They’ve successfully integrated the aircraft with the landing signalmen (enlisted), the chocks and chains, fuelies, air boss and his crew in flight deck control and the air traffic controllers in the helicopter direction center, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Dancing Fire - June 28, 2005 09:48 AM (GMT)
with MV-22 Osprey
| QUOTE |
| USS Bataan (LHD 5) took on eight MV-22 Ospreys and two AV-8B Harriers for training and testing while steaming in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina in June. For this final operational test phase, Bataan has the largest number of Ospreys on any ship at one time. Along with the aircraft, 185 Marines, including personnel from Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, and representatives from Boeing and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) joined the crew of Bataan. The greatest benefit from the testing will be the experience future generations of Osprey air crewmen will have to learn from, said Marine Maj. Anthony Bianca, director of Standardization and Safety for VMX-22. “Before there are V-22 squadrons, we’ve got to look at them in an experimental and test environment and learn things so that we can pass them on, and when the fleet does have the squadrons, the experience will be extremely helpful. We’re helping to spread knowledge about the V-22s.” The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft. It will replace the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service. What makes the Osprey unique is the 38-foot prop-rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle - the chamber that holds the engine - mounted on each wingtip, allowing it to operate as a helicopter for takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, turning the aircraft into a high-speed, high-altitude and fuel-efficient aircraft. |
saver111 - June 28, 2005 10:05 AM (GMT)
Frenzy - June 28, 2005 10:15 AM (GMT)
Sana meron tayo BRP Bataan na ganyan :armysmile:
adroth - June 28, 2005 02:26 PM (GMT)
The USS Bataan
adroth - July 14, 2005 05:18 PM (GMT)
Time line. From:http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/071405dnbusosprey.22e4c61.html
1983: Navy awards a $550 million design contract to Bell Helicopter and Boeing.
March 19, 1989: The V-22 tilt-rotor (nicknamed the Osprey) makes its maiden flight, hovering 30 feet in the air for 15 minutes.
April 1989: Then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney begins a four-year campaign to kill the program.
June 1991: A V-22 crashes in Delaware, injuring 2 pilots.
July 1992: A V-22 plunges into the Potomac River, killing three Marines and four civilians.
August 1992: Presidential candidate Bill Clinton throws his support behind the V-22. Mr. Cheney and the George H.W. Bush administration drop their opposition.
April 2000: A V-22 crashes in Arizona, killing 19 Marines.
December 2000: A V-22 crashes in North Carolina, killing four Marines. The program is grounded for 17 months.
June 2001: A Pentagon investigation says Marine Corps officers falsified V-22 maintenance records.
June 2005: A V-22 supplier is indicted for falsely certifying tubing for the aircraft.
June 2005: The V-22 passes operational tests and appears to be headed for full production.
SOURCE: Dallas Morning News research
1983: Navy awards a $550 million design contract to Bell Helicopter and Boeing.
March 19, 1989: The V-22 tilt-rotor (nicknamed the Osprey) makes its maiden flight, hovering 30 feet in the air for 15 minutes.
April 1989: Then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney begins a four-year campaign to kill the program.
June 1991: A V-22 crashes in Delaware, injuring 2 pilots.
July 1992: A V-22 plunges into the Potomac River, killing three Marines and four civilians.
August 1992: Presidential candidate Bill Clinton throws his support behind the V-22. Mr. Cheney and the George H.W. Bush administration drop their opposition.
April 2000: A V-22 crashes in Arizona, killing 19 Marines.
December 2000: A V-22 crashes in North Carolina, killing four Marines. The program is grounded for 17 months.
June 2001: A Pentagon investigation says Marine Corps officers falsified V-22 maintenance records.
June 2005: A V-22 supplier is indicted for falsely certifying tubing for the aircraft.
June 2005: The V-22 passes operational tests and appears to be headed for full production.
SOURCE: Dallas Morning News research
saver111 - November 14, 2008 04:56 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| CENTRAL IRAQ (Feb. 2, 2008) A V-22 Osprey is refueled before a night mission in central Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane (Released) |
saver111 - November 14, 2008 01:30 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| Members of the U.S. Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 prepare to refuel the V-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft, as it approaches Camp Atterbury, June 12, 2008. The Osprey was making a logistics flight from Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., to resupply Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is training on Camp Atterbury, Ind. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Greg Lundeberg |
| QUOTE |
| The V-22 Osprey, a U.S. Marine Corps tilt-rotor aircraft, takes off for a routine training mission around the urban area of Camp Atterbury, Ind., June 12, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Greg Lundeberg |
| QUOTE |
| The V-22 Osprey, a U.S. Marine Corps tilt-rotor aircraft, flies over tree tops in an urban area after take off during a routine flight mission on Camp Atterbury, June 12, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Greg Lundeberg |
el_ramon - November 15, 2008 03:45 AM (GMT)
oh the white elephant hehe
saver111 - November 28, 2008 04:33 AM (GMT)
saver111 - July 7, 2009 09:58 AM (GMT)
090701-N-3165S-134 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 1, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM 263) (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during routine flight operations. Bataan is deployed and is serving as the flagship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour/Released)
saver111 - October 16, 2009 02:03 PM (GMT)
091012-M-8752R-084 ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Oct. 12, 2009) Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and coalition forces conduct an amphibious landing demonstration at Egyptian beaches near Alexandria during Exercise Bright Star 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie/Released)
091011-N-7508R-005 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 11, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during Exercise Bright Star 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness and interoperability among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. The biennial exercise is conducted by U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)
saver111 - October 27, 2009 03:21 PM (GMT)
091014-N-7508R-008 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 14, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during the biennial, multinational exercise Bright Star 2009. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and several other coalition forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)