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Osprey: The Marine Corps' powerful hybrid

image
MV-22 Osprey aircraft  

April 9, 2000
Web posted at: 1:17 p.m. EDT (1717 GMT)

(CNN) The Osprey is known as a convertiplane. It flies like a plane, but can take off like a helicopter and convert back to airplane flight in 12 seconds. The Marines Corps calls it top priority, but critics, including former U.S. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, complain that it is too expensive.

Other facts about the Osprey:

  • It has two propjet turbines that power two oversize propellers. It flies at over 400 mph and reaches an altitude of 25,000 feet. It's designed to carry up to 24 troops or loads of 15,000 pounds.

  • The aircraft moves at twice the speed, has twice the range and carries twice the payload of Vietnam-era CH-46 helicopters.

  • Its primary use will be moving U.S. troops in and out of military hot spots and conducting civilian rescue operations.

    One military Web site says the craft is the "highest priority" for Marine Corps, calling it "leap-ahead technology" that will give the Marines an unprecedented capability to move forces.

    The plane is a joint project of Bell Helicopter Textron in Fort Worth, Texas, and Boeing Helicopters in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

    The Osprey's tiltrotor design allows it to be adapted to the following types of missions:

  • Search and rescue: The Osprey can fly long distances at low altitudes in adverse weather conditions and then hover.

  • Aerial refueling tanker: The Osprey can be modified to become an aerial refueler for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

  • Medical evacuation: The Osprey can carry up to 12 patients. Its high speed means patients can get from the battlefield or an accident scene to medical assistance faster than in any other aircraft.

    Status:

    The first Osprey was tested in December of 1991. The craft is undergoing what the military terms "operational evaluation" tests to determine its suitability and effectiveness. The tests are taking place in North Carolina, Arizona, Florida and California.

    The plane is scheduled to be fully operational in 18 to 24 months.

    If the plane checks out, plans call for the Marine Corps to purchase 350 MV-22s and for the Air Force to buy 50 CV-22s, a variation of the Marine Corps version of the plane.

    Crashes:

  • 2000: An Osprey crashed Saturday during a training exercise in Arizona killing all 19 on board. The cause is under investigation.

  • 1992: An Osprey crashed during a demonstration flight in Quantico, Virginia. Seven people were killed when an engine caught fire as the craft started to hover.

  • 1991: An Osprey crashed at the New Castle County Airport in Delaware about three minutes into its maiden flight. The crash was blamed on gyro problems. Neither pilot was hurt.

    Sources: The Associated Press, U.S. military Web sites



    RELATED STORIES:
    A Crash and a Collusion?
    September 20, 1999
    Cause of military crash still unclear
    May 10, 1996
    Marine Crash Statistics
    May 10, 1996

    RELATED SITES:
    United States Marine Corps
    MV-22

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