Pilots Discuss Use of Osprey

The MV-22 is being fielded in Iraq as a medium lift requirement to replace the Marine Corps Squadrons already there. It is primarily a troop carrier, but it can also lift 4 to 5 shore tons (internally or externally) depending on conditions. The MV-22 will first take over the mission helicopter squadrons are currently doing. It will then expand its mission set to a little bit more. It will most likely have missions involving longer range or greater endurance that we currently have in theater.

What we desire most about the MV-22 in this theater "right away" is its speed. With MV-22 in theater, evacuation of the wounded will be significantly faster. MV-22 is not only significantly faster, its capable of going direct to higher level medical facilities that conventional helicopters due to its range and speed.

If it is to replace the Marine CH46, it would have to fly combat assaults, resupply and medical evacuations. Unless it is kept far from any real combat, which is hard to do when there is no defined FEBA (Forward Edge of the Battle Area) you would have to arm it. The Osprey cannot mount guns on the side because of the engine pylons. Therefore, the solution has been to mount a machine gun on the tailgate. This is not very practical because it will impede troop ingress and egress out the only door that they can really use. It is not logical because if you are landing in a hot (enemy fire) LZ (Landing zone), the threat is usually to the sides of the helicopter or in front of the helicopter. There is also a real hazard to friendly troops and the Osprey behind you in the LZ if the door gunner is trying to lay down suppressive fire. Lastly, the one 7.62 mm machine gun is a pretty puny defensive weapon for such a large and valuable asset as the Osprey.