Who Needs The Osprey?
- Thread starter Kampfwagen
- Start date
I did not read the entire article, either, but I would point out the V-22 has not been canned--it was very close numerous times, but it will be produced. I noticed the article was written in 2002, a tumultuous time for the program, so it may have given the impression the program was in danger of cancellation, but as I said, it has been decided to produce this aircraft.
As you stated, the program has been 'problematic' to say the least. I think there have been 3 fatal crashes throughout its development, one of them killing about 30 marines. One of the main obstacles was the problem of rotor downwash--a complex aerodynamic problem in which during very rapid descent manoeuvers the rotors can actually get into their own downwash resulting in a loss of stability and lift. This is what led to the fatal crash killing 30 marines. The fix I believe has been to train pilots not to descend too quickly, or they may have upgraded flight control software to prevent such fast descents. Another problem affecting the program had to do with manufacturing problems with the complex gear mechanism in each nacelle. This problem has also since been dealt with.
There must have been countless other problems throughout the nearly two decade development of this aricraft, but in the end the Marines pushed hard enough and some lobbying was done and now the marines are supposed to get about 350 MV-22s, each costing about $50-$60 million a copy if the manufacturers Bell and Boeing live up to promises to reduce the current cost of about $70 mil.. The Airforce also wants about 50 CV-22s for its special forces. I should also mention that it really does look like the program managers pulled things together quite well the past few years. This year the V-22 passed its Operational Evaluation with flying colors. Also, most importantly, the V-22 tiltrotor obviously has capablities superior to traditional rotorcraft (speed and range) yet has the advantage of VTOL, and with pretty heavy loads at that.
As you stated, the program has been 'problematic' to say the least. I think there have been 3 fatal crashes throughout its development, one of them killing about 30 marines. One of the main obstacles was the problem of rotor downwash--a complex aerodynamic problem in which during very rapid descent manoeuvers the rotors can actually get into their own downwash resulting in a loss of stability and lift. This is what led to the fatal crash killing 30 marines. The fix I believe has been to train pilots not to descend too quickly, or they may have upgraded flight control software to prevent such fast descents. Another problem affecting the program had to do with manufacturing problems with the complex gear mechanism in each nacelle. This problem has also since been dealt with.
There must have been countless other problems throughout the nearly two decade development of this aricraft, but in the end the Marines pushed hard enough and some lobbying was done and now the marines are supposed to get about 350 MV-22s, each costing about $50-$60 million a copy if the manufacturers Bell and Boeing live up to promises to reduce the current cost of about $70 mil.. The Airforce also wants about 50 CV-22s for its special forces. I should also mention that it really does look like the program managers pulled things together quite well the past few years. This year the V-22 passed its Operational Evaluation with flying colors. Also, most importantly, the V-22 tiltrotor obviously has capablities superior to traditional rotorcraft (speed and range) yet has the advantage of VTOL, and with pretty heavy loads at that.
Kampfwagen
Junior Member
They must have kept it under the radar, because I was following the tail end of the project for awhile and was anxious to hear about it when I heard they were canceling it. Like you said, it must have been during the cancelation process that they lobbied for it. I am glad to hear the osprey has been getting reinvigorated, this has ALOT of potential for the Marines and Air Force.
By the way, you didnt mention any Osprey Aquisitions for the U.S Army. Are they still going to be using the Chinooks or are they also getting Ospreys?
By the way, you didnt mention any Osprey Aquisitions for the U.S Army. Are they still going to be using the Chinooks or are they also getting Ospreys?
Kampfwagen, I don't think the US Army will be getting any V-22's anytime soon. I searched but could find no info that the US Army was going to replace the Chinook with an Osprey. Some of those airframes on the Chinook's are over 40 years old! Right now only the USMC, USN & USAF will purchase the aircraft.
""The V-22 Osprey Program consists of a Joint Multi-Mission Vertical Lift Aircraft that provides the USMC, Headquarters USSOCOM, USAF, and the United States Navy (USN) with a multi-engine, dual piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical take-off and landing aircraft to be used to conduct combat, combat support, combat service support, and special operations missions worldwide. Missions include, but are not limited to, amphibious assault, land assault, raid operations, medium cargo lift, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and Special Operations Force (SOF) support. The aircraft (MV-22 for the USMC, CV-22 for USSOCOM, and HV-22 for the USN) are capable of conducting operations in adverse weather, during daylight hours or at night, in climates from arctic to tropical from aviation and air capable ships (primary operating and support sea bases are Amphibious Assault (General Purpose) (LHA) and Amphibious Assault (Multi Purpose) (LHD) class ships, or from improved and unimproved landing sites ashore; and in a variety of conventional, unconventional, and contingency combat situations including Chemical, Biological, and Radiological warfare conditions. An air refueling capability will extend the aircraft’s combat mission range when required, and it will be self-supporting to the maximum extent possible.""
Great pic of 8 Osprey on the flight deck of the USS Bataan LHD-5 in June 2005.
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