Pilots Discuss Use of Osprey

Colonel Bianca is better qualified to speak for the Marine Corps on this issue. However, one wonders why, after having to compromise on many of its original performance requirements and safety issues, the Marine Corps is still so thrilled with it. I understand that there are 25-plus years and $20 billion-plus into it. However that is no reason to become so focused on the desire to have this type of aircraft that it ultimately eclipses common reason. The uniqueness of the airplane/helicopter mode does not make up for the drawbacks, cost and loss of life. See answer to question No. 8 as well.

The concept of air assault support is to provide mobility to the battlefield commander. What the MV-22 Osprey brings as an assault support tilt-rotor is unmatched mobility in the form of range, speed, payload, and no need for a runway. In a pure helicopter we lack the range and speed. In a pure fixed wing aircraft we lack the ability to land anywhere. The ability to go farther, faster, with more stuff allows our commanders to consider locations that our enemies can't. We can operate from a central area to range out and be wherever the enemy is extremely quickly. Essentially, we can go anywhere we want and the enemy can't keep up; or we can go anywhere the enemy is faster than him and he can't get away from us. Imagine playing chess where your knight was capable of moving more squares than your opponent each turn, or playing checkers where you get to double jump but your opponent doesn't -- and you can picture the advantage.