World Affairs Board - View Single Post - V-22 in the news again

glyn · 12-21-2006, 10:01 AM

I have heard or read of this before, but this is the first time I've seen it all assembled in one place. The USMC has been relying on the V-22 coming up to requirements. The H-46 fleet is geriatric. What a pickle. It is amazing that neither the manufacturer nor the testing authorities have completed ALL the milestone tests. The Osprey is sufficiently different from a helicopter or a conventional fixed wing design and should have undergone the most rigorous testing to find out how it differs from them and how best it can be operated. My personal view (based on no more than the information in the article) is that it was a step too far. It is too big, too heavy, too complicated and too expensive. The downwash problem should have been recognised long ago, but once the Vortex Ring condition reared its ugly head the programme should have been cancelled.

12-21-2006, 10:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
glyn *Military Professional* Join Date: 09-15-06 Location: Penzance, Cornwall UK Posts: 6,886	I have heard or read of this before, but this is the first time I've seen it all assembled in one place. The USMC has been relying on the V-22 coming up to requirements. The H-46 fleet is geriatric. What a pickle. It is amazing that neither the manufacturer nor the testing authorities have completed ALL the milestone tests. The Osprey is sufficiently different from a helicopter or a conventional fixed wing design and should have undergone the most rigorous testing to find out how it differs from them and how best it can be operated. My personal view (based on no more than the information in the article) is that it was a step too far. It is too big, too heavy, too complicated and too expensive. The downwash problem should have been recognised long ago, but once the Vortex Ring condition reared its ugly head the programme should have been cancelled. __________________ Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.