thedrifter
06-06-07, 08:24 AM
Osprey Readies For Iraq Duty
POSTED: 5:25 pm PDT June 5, 2007
UPDATED: 6:27 pm PDT June 5, 2007
SAN DIEGO -- Marines in California are preparing to take the controversial Osprey aircraft to the war in Iraq.
The V-22 Osprey recently touched down, then disappeared behind a cloud of dust at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms in an environment almost exactly like Iraq. Many of the Marines there were getting acquainted with the aircraft.
"Understand where safe points are to approach aircraft so you're staying clear of those danger zones and understanding the chief signals from that aircraft," said Major Keith Darby, a Marine Corps pilot, during training.
In the next few months, these two Ospreys will be flying into the front lines of the war in Iraq. They will be the first Ospreys to see combat.
"It's slated to replace the CH-46 Sea Knight, commonly known as the frog helicopter," Darby said. "It's been around 40 years, supporting since Vietnam."
For years, however, officials weren't sure if the Osprey would ever get off the ground. In its maiden test flight in 1991, an Osprey crashed during takeoff. For years, the aircraft was mired in technical problems and cost overruns.
"I know that when any aircraft first goes operational, it's going to have kinks," said Marine Lt. David Samuel. "But that was the same with every aircraft since beginning of flight, so, no worries."
According to experts, the aircraft's technology has come a long way in the last few years. The Marines are looking at using the aircraft for the long term
"I think guys will realize in the next six to 12 months that this is the aircraft for the future of the Marine Corps," Darby said.
The Marines say the $40 million aircraft is an investment in new technology that will fly faster and safer into battle.
Nineteen Marines died when an Osprey crashed in Arizona in 2000, but the military now says the aircraft now has more-advanced technology and is ready for duty.
Ellie
POSTED: 5:25 pm PDT June 5, 2007
UPDATED: 6:27 pm PDT June 5, 2007
SAN DIEGO -- Marines in California are preparing to take the controversial Osprey aircraft to the war in Iraq.
The V-22 Osprey recently touched down, then disappeared behind a cloud of dust at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms in an environment almost exactly like Iraq. Many of the Marines there were getting acquainted with the aircraft.
"Understand where safe points are to approach aircraft so you're staying clear of those danger zones and understanding the chief signals from that aircraft," said Major Keith Darby, a Marine Corps pilot, during training.
In the next few months, these two Ospreys will be flying into the front lines of the war in Iraq. They will be the first Ospreys to see combat.
"It's slated to replace the CH-46 Sea Knight, commonly known as the frog helicopter," Darby said. "It's been around 40 years, supporting since Vietnam."
For years, however, officials weren't sure if the Osprey would ever get off the ground. In its maiden test flight in 1991, an Osprey crashed during takeoff. For years, the aircraft was mired in technical problems and cost overruns.
"I know that when any aircraft first goes operational, it's going to have kinks," said Marine Lt. David Samuel. "But that was the same with every aircraft since beginning of flight, so, no worries."
According to experts, the aircraft's technology has come a long way in the last few years. The Marines are looking at using the aircraft for the long term
"I think guys will realize in the next six to 12 months that this is the aircraft for the future of the Marine Corps," Darby said.
The Marines say the $40 million aircraft is an investment in new technology that will fly faster and safer into battle.
Nineteen Marines died when an Osprey crashed in Arizona in 2000, but the military now says the aircraft now has more-advanced technology and is ready for duty.
Ellie