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Osprey: The Marine Corps' powerful hybrid
(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: 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:
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:Sources: The Associated Press, U.S. military Web sites RELATED STORIES: A Crash and a Collusion? RELATED SITES: United States Marine Corps |
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