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thedrifter
06-30-09, 07:55 AM
EDITORIAL: Go slow with Osprey; keep helicopters

By the North County Times Opinion staff -- opinion@nctimes.com

The U.S. Marine Corps has a stellar reputation worldwide, but we do have to question the wisdom of its leadership's determination to push the Osprey V-22 program.

Questions about this combination plane-and-helicopter hybrid have existed since its inception, and the aircraft was never tested in real-world conditions before being deployed.

Now in service in the war in Iraq, the Osprey has repeatedly come up short. Those failings have been so severe that plans to deploy the craft to Afghanistan have been put on hold.

Last week, the Government Accountability Office issued a scathing report that found numerous deficiencies with the Osprey. Among them are that it cannot carry the number of troops and equipment it was originally built to handle, or fly above 10,000 feet. That is a problem in Afghanistan, where mountains soar above 12,000 feet.

Even more telling, research and development costs have ballooned from $4.2 billion to nearly $13 billion, despite the reduction in the number planned for purchase by the Marine Corps and Air Force.

To date, the Marine Corps has spent nearly $29 billion to develop the craft, which first flew 20 years ago. Twenty-seven Marines, including 18 from Camp Pendleton and Miramar, were killed in a series of crashes between 1992 and 2000.

The military brass still has high hopes for the Osprey to become its new combat workhorse and ultimately to replace its fleet of Vietnam War-era helicopters. And our local Marine bases are beginning the phase-out process.

Last week's report, however, is suggesting the Corps keep the older aircraft so the Marines can carry out their missions.

Given the Osprey's sorry history, we join the report in urging caution.

Our fighting men and women deserve the best equipment the nation can provide. And so far, the Osprey just doesn't seem to pass muster.

Ellie