The Military's New V-22 Osprey: Up, Up, and Away!

By Gary Orlando

The V-22 Osprey is a new generation of tilt/rotor aircraft more commonly known as VSTOL (vertical short takeoff and landing). This designation means that the turboshaft engines, which are mounted at the very ends of the forward wing, have the ability to go from a standard prop forward to a 90-degree swivel like that of a helicopter rotor. This design allows the aircraft to take off and land vertically and hover, for the deployment of troops and equipment. It is similar in capability to the AV-8 Harrier jump jet, which is a VSTOL jet fighter but uses jet engines. The Osprey was developed to replace our aging Vietnam-era CH-46 and CH-53 medium-lift helicopters.

To say that the development of the Osprey was plagued with glitches might be a slight understatement. Taking on any monumental developmental task such as this, particularly when government red tape is involved, is bound to have problems. Most noteworthy were the loss of about 26 Marines and four civilians in three different crashes. Most of the familiar delays and problems have to do with government stuff, like logistics, lack of parts, system failures, some false alarms, etc., but the 20 years in development is about to pay off big time with a faster, safer, and more reliable vehicle.

The final testing was completed in March, which means it is possible that the Osprey will be deployed and see battle by the end of the year. The first batch is believed to have been delivered to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina. Some of the Marines taking part in the final evaluation and exercises of the Osprey had some very positive comments about their new ride. One Pfc. talked about how smooth the ride was, including several take offs and landings. A 2nd Lieutenant initially said he had some reservations before participating in the final exercise but afterward admitted that he was very impressed with how the Osprey preformed and would have no problem going into battle with one. Initial shipments are for about 360 units for the Marine Corps, 48 for the Navy, and 50 for the Air Force.

The technical specifications of the Osprey are just as impressive as its appearance. The aircraft is powered by twin 6,150-shaft horsepower turboshaft engines driving 38’ diameter three-blade proprotor and comes in at about 47,500 pounds of weight. The engines are connected by a shaft that maintains synchronization and provides for power should one of the engines stop functioning. The Osprey can carry an additional external weight of 10,000 pounds for a very short distance. The aircraft is operated by two pilots and can carry up to 24 Marines and their equipment. The Osprey also has in-air refueling capability and worldwide self-deployment. The fuselage is constructed with a graphite-reinforced epoxy composite for lighter weight and better capability to withstand battle damage. The Osprey also has redundant flight control, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

To learn more about the Osprey, the Military Analysis Network has some beautiful pictures, basic drawings, and many more links. As a former Marine myself I am very happy about the replacement of those Ch-46s and CH-53s with the Osprey. I’ve had some nerve-wracking rides in both of those helicopters and I know that not only will my young fellow Marines truly like the ride and capabilities of the Osprey, they will be much safer.