thedrifter
06-25-09, 08:07 AM
Sestak, Boeing and Marines defend Osprey performance
Thursday, June 25, 2009
By VICKY THOMAS
vthomas@delcotimes.com
The Marine Corps, Boeing and U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak defended the Osprey following sharp criticism of the military aircraft from government auditors at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing.
The Osprey, which takes off and lands like a helicopter and can tilt its two rotors forward to fly like a plane, may not meet the challenges of high-threat missions like Afghanistan, said Government Accountability Office auditors.
The aircraft’s design limits its maneuverability, ability to operate in extreme temperatures, and overall performance in threatening environments, according to a GAO review of the Osprey’s operations in Iraq.
Maj. Eric Dent, a spokesman for Marine Corps public affairs in Washington, said the Marines are proud of the Osprey’s performance.
“The performance of the Osprey in Iraq has given ground commanders everything they’ve asked for. It’s done those missions faster and farther and safer than any helicopter could do,” said Dent, adding the Marines are aware of 13 troublesome components.
“We know there’s still work to be done to improve reliability of some of the components to enhance the V-22’s readiness. We’re fully engaged with the industry to solve this.”
Dent said there are no plans to halt production of the Osprey.
“We fundamentally disagree that is a reasonable response to reliability issues we’re addressing,” he said, adding the Marines plan to send a squadron of Ospreys to Afghanistan by the year’s end.
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George Trautman, deputy commandant for aviation, also disputed the GAO’s assessment, saying the Osprey will operate just as effectively in Afghanistan as it has in Iraq.
“We agree with Lt. Gen. Trautman that the MV-22 performance in Iraq has been outstanding. It’s been able to do things no other aircraft in history has been able to do,” said Andy Lee, spokesman for Boeing. He referred further questions to the Marine Corps.
The aircraft, jointly built at Boeing’s Ridley plant and Textron Inc.’s Bell Helicopters, had difficulties operating from Navy ships and carrying the required number of troops and cargo during tests and training exercises, according to the GAO review.
Though the Osprey program and development began more than 20 years ago, it has only been in active service since 2007. The aircraft has been plagued by a history of mechanical failures and four test-flight crashes claiming the lives of 30 people from 1991-2000.
Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, said he remains a supporter of the Osprey program. He expected the V-22’s readiness would be low in its first deployment, as it is for all new aircraft on their first deployment, he said.
“This is particularly true for a technically revolutionary aircraft, like the V-22. When the first deployment returned, I was surprised that the V-22 had performed better than expected, and reiterated the point that this was not the norm,” Sestak said.
“Now, with this data, we can work with the Marine Corps to enhance the readiness of the V-22 to levels that will assuredly be attained as we work through proper parts supply, new maintenance procedures and other efforts that are not uncommon for a new aircraft.”
The Osprey replaces the CH-46 Sea Knight, a 39-year-old assault helicopter used during the Vietnam War. It can travel twice as fast and three times farther than the Sea Knight. The planes, equipped with radar, lasers and a missile defense system, carry 24 combat-ready Marines and have accompanied attack helicopters in Iraq, which come under gunfire and mortar attacks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ellie
Thursday, June 25, 2009
By VICKY THOMAS
vthomas@delcotimes.com
The Marine Corps, Boeing and U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak defended the Osprey following sharp criticism of the military aircraft from government auditors at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing.
The Osprey, which takes off and lands like a helicopter and can tilt its two rotors forward to fly like a plane, may not meet the challenges of high-threat missions like Afghanistan, said Government Accountability Office auditors.
The aircraft’s design limits its maneuverability, ability to operate in extreme temperatures, and overall performance in threatening environments, according to a GAO review of the Osprey’s operations in Iraq.
Maj. Eric Dent, a spokesman for Marine Corps public affairs in Washington, said the Marines are proud of the Osprey’s performance.
“The performance of the Osprey in Iraq has given ground commanders everything they’ve asked for. It’s done those missions faster and farther and safer than any helicopter could do,” said Dent, adding the Marines are aware of 13 troublesome components.
“We know there’s still work to be done to improve reliability of some of the components to enhance the V-22’s readiness. We’re fully engaged with the industry to solve this.”
Dent said there are no plans to halt production of the Osprey.
“We fundamentally disagree that is a reasonable response to reliability issues we’re addressing,” he said, adding the Marines plan to send a squadron of Ospreys to Afghanistan by the year’s end.
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George Trautman, deputy commandant for aviation, also disputed the GAO’s assessment, saying the Osprey will operate just as effectively in Afghanistan as it has in Iraq.
“We agree with Lt. Gen. Trautman that the MV-22 performance in Iraq has been outstanding. It’s been able to do things no other aircraft in history has been able to do,” said Andy Lee, spokesman for Boeing. He referred further questions to the Marine Corps.
The aircraft, jointly built at Boeing’s Ridley plant and Textron Inc.’s Bell Helicopters, had difficulties operating from Navy ships and carrying the required number of troops and cargo during tests and training exercises, according to the GAO review.
Though the Osprey program and development began more than 20 years ago, it has only been in active service since 2007. The aircraft has been plagued by a history of mechanical failures and four test-flight crashes claiming the lives of 30 people from 1991-2000.
Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, said he remains a supporter of the Osprey program. He expected the V-22’s readiness would be low in its first deployment, as it is for all new aircraft on their first deployment, he said.
“This is particularly true for a technically revolutionary aircraft, like the V-22. When the first deployment returned, I was surprised that the V-22 had performed better than expected, and reiterated the point that this was not the norm,” Sestak said.
“Now, with this data, we can work with the Marine Corps to enhance the readiness of the V-22 to levels that will assuredly be attained as we work through proper parts supply, new maintenance procedures and other efforts that are not uncommon for a new aircraft.”
The Osprey replaces the CH-46 Sea Knight, a 39-year-old assault helicopter used during the Vietnam War. It can travel twice as fast and three times farther than the Sea Knight. The planes, equipped with radar, lasers and a missile defense system, carry 24 combat-ready Marines and have accompanied attack helicopters in Iraq, which come under gunfire and mortar attacks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ellie