Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey questions....

[Kraut783]

I didn't want to hijack another thread, but just had a few questions about this aircraft from others that have maybe dealt with it.

The only two I have seen in real life were taking off from Camp Victory in late 2008, Marines were operating them. My impressions were they were HUGE, did not see a lot of guns, just one on the back ramp, I would think with the huge props, it would restrict on what kind of armaments you could put on along the side.

Any insight on them, did you like them? will they be a combat assest or more of a support role?

 

[Tropicana98]

I've only ridden on them a handful of times however their reputation amongst my leadership is "CV-22's aren't a fan of flying."

 

[AWP]

We have at least one AFSOC CV-22 guy on here, but I don't recall his ID.

 

[0699]

I assisted with the Corp's OT&E testing in the late 90s. I was a very bit player. I assisted Maj Gruber with the operational comm/nav stuff. I flew a few flights on the MV-22 during OT&E as a crew member (for testing purposes) and I flew several flights in the MV-22 in Iraq as a passenger in 2007-2008.

I am a big fan of the V-22. Yes, there have been problems, some lethal (and I knew several of the men that died in these crashes; my last conversation with Maj Gruber before he died was as close as a GySgt and Maj can get to having an "arguement" and I did not deal with his death well), but that has been true for any new technology. Remember, the Osprey is not a plane nor a helicopter; it is a completely new technology and has to go through all of this to become a proven piece of gear.

I am impressed by the V-22s range, speed, and landing requirements. I think it will fill a very specific need that the Corps and the USAF have to fill and I think it will do a good job at filling that niche. I do not believe it will ever be the "do anything" workhorse that the H-60 and H-53 have become.

Just my personal opinion.

 

[DA SWO]

IIRC the V-22's hit in Sudan were AFSOC birds.
I'd have to ask myself were did they launch from? long range, speed, and carrier compatability are always a good thing. How effective are "door guns" at suppressing/killing the bad guys?
I have been a fan of the technoligy ever since I saw the XV-15. This is the first "tilt anything" to make it into operation. I think the follow on aircraft will be even better.

 

[Kraut783]

Thank you everyone for the information....just to add to part of SOWT's above statement/question...when coming into a hot LZ or leaving one, door guns can engage going in and going out on other platforms...seems the V-22's would have trouble when transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight, at least as I am visualizing it.

 

[0699]

IIRC, the MV-22s don't have door guns (**they do have ramp guns**) as the rotor arc moving from vertical to horizontal goes directly where the front doors are located. IIRRC, the doors have an interlock on them and can ONLY be opened when the rotors are fully up.

I'm remembering shit from 15 years ago, so don't quote me...

 

[Salt USMC]

I enjoyed riding in Ospreys far more than 53s.

 

[Thomas]

I had the opportunity to catch a couple of rides on some CV-22s on a CCA rotation back in 2009. One of the pilots took the time to give me a walk around and tell me about the capabilities. Mind you this was not a combat environment but I was pretty impressed.

I've been on all kinds of aircraft but this thing was a hotrod. He did some NOE flying and it was badass. Awesome take off and landing capability. The host nation troops enjoyed it (except for burning the soccer field). Unfortunately for them they didn't weigh enough to get the fast rope beyond a 45deg (est) angle. We got shot down when we asked to jump them (thanks SOCSOUTH).