MV-22 Ospreys...

[LoCapitano]

I wanted to get every one's opinion here... What do you guys think of the Osprey...

What do you think about them saying it will be deployed this year?

[recon532002]

Are they still having problems falling out of the sky.

Recon

[LoCapitano]

lol Not really,

Dont quote me on this but if i'm not mistaken the last crash was about 7 years ago...

We already have two squadrons on the east coast, should be taking over another 46 squadron soon... and will then be going to the west coast...

Oh and the Osprey might be deploying by the end of this year...

[jinelson]

If it doesent twist and turn crash and burn its not Marine air transportation!

Jim

[bigdog43701]

just like the first harriers-YO-YO's

[Kegler300]

The V-22 will get Marines to and from the fight much faster than the aging fleet of helos we still use.

[hankhoffman]

The V-22 has been falling out of the sky for years. I was in Crash Crew from 84-88 and not much has changed with the V-22. Someone needs to tell the contractor to fix it or eat the contract. It is bull that this thing was allowed to move to testing in the Fleet before all of the bugs were worked out!!

:thumbdown

[killerinstinct]

well remember last crash with Marines who died in yuma back on '00.

Im not sure how this plane would act in the fleet but guess we'll see

[LoCapitano]

Well we already have two fleet squadrons and a training squadron here in New River... and they fly around every day... doesnt really seem to have all the problems it had before..

They were also in Yuma last year and we didnt hear anything bad about that...

[ggyoung]

There is nothing like the old UH34. It was slow but you could shoot the crap out of them and they still would get you back

[MotivatorOfTheGuard]

They do come here to Yuma from time to time, however i hear that they might be stationing a squadron of those things here. Maybe im just a naive, suicidal Lance Criminal, but, i would much rather be able to open up with a door gun at the LZ then ride in one of those things. For some reason we always try to replace things that dont have problems.

[LoCapitano]

You say that you would much rather open up with a door gun, are you implying that the V-22 is unarmed?

They have added a M240D to the ramp, On a swivel mount, So you have have people running in behind you and not risk shooting another Marine...

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/locapitano/Osprey.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[MotivatorOfTheGuard]

You say that you would much rather open up with a door gun, are you implying that the V-22 is unarmed?

Not at all am i implying that! Just implying i would love to be on the door gun of a helo, and light up an LZ, with no real care as to where the enemy is concentrated, just which general area to saturate.

[LoCapitano]

Not at all am i implying that! Just implying i would love to be on the door gun of a helo, and light up an LZ, with no real care as to where the enemy is concentrated, just which general area to saturate.

Thats every Marine's idea of a good day!

[airframesguru]

Lots of airplanes crash. Even those that have been through the ringer. I rmember losing buddies on UH-1N's. Lots of 53's ate dirt. Some of this is related to the airplane, others to maint. I hate to hear of Marines going that way, but it is and always has been a part of aviation. The V-22 is a good airplane from what I read and it has the worlds finest keeping it flying.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Semper Fi!

[Ignition]

i see a few of em from time to time here at Cherry Point


and while over in iraq we will beginning the transition to using them in country

I welcome them with open arms.

[LoCapitano]

Yes all of our squadrons are in MCAS New River... and they should be deployed by the end of this year if i'm not mistaken...

[hankhoffman]

They had some problems with the CH-53 and the AV-8 but not near as many as the V-22. If they fixed the problems that is good, but they should have been fixed in testing. We rush to get this stuff to the fleet and they kill Marines. They need to look at this system!!!

[Jon Taylor]

The V-22 is a valuable asset in theory. I.E. rapid transport, indefinite range (with aerial refueling) and higher airspeeds vs. traditional rotor aircraft. BUT, from my experience waiting for a section of 22's in the W-122 and having only one show up after multiple slides/aircraft changes, maintenance issues, it still has quite a few issues that need to be worked out. For instance, the generator failure is a seemingly common gripe. Also, the engines are basically INOP at or above 15,000 ft. Another thing that would've made it better would be some kind of pressurization system, so that on long hauls the aircraft can climb higher and get better range, without the use of oxygen for the crew/pax. I also hear of hydraulics issues, specifically in the transition from "helo mode" to "airplane mode" where the gearboxes or hydraulic motors are eating them selves up and failing. I guess what I'm saying is it still needs work for it to be a no **** irreplaceable aircraft that will last 50+ years. The idea for the whole thing is mind boggling, and pretty sweet. But I think it will take another 15 years to get all the kinks worked out to be a fully functional consistent 90% combat ready aircraft.

[Ignition]

after the intial problems and crashes they totally redesigned the engine systems and some of the control systems.....

since then it has become almost like a whole new animal. it just that there are big players out there that dont want to see this succeed and dont want this contract to go through.

It may not be perfect, but honestly with matinence just like any other aircraft/machine it will be fine with capable pilots that have good training time.

but thats my 3.5 cents