Osprey highlights - Airscoop - V-22 Osprey undergoing military tests - Brief Article

Naval Aviation News, March-April, 2004 by Wendy Leland

In November 2003, the V-22 Osprey program began testing the aircraft's deicing and anti-icing systems in Canada. Osprey No. 24 will conduct test flights from Shearwater, Nova Scotia, through April.

Also in November, the V-22 Integrated Test Team completed a detachment to Bataan (LHD 5), below, the Osprey's second at-sea period. During 11 days of shipboard suitability testing, 5 V-22 pilots performed deck landing qualifications. Tests were also conducted to expand the aircraft's wind-over-deck envelope and measure the effects of hovering H-53 and H-46 helicopters on the Osprey while on deck.

In December, the V-22 surpassed 1,000 flight hours since the aircraft returned to flight in May 2002. On 9 January Maj. Gen. Jim Amos, Commanding General 3d Marine Air Wing, flew the Osprey in both helicopter and airplane modes. Maj. Gen. Amos is pictured at right in top photo with Lt. Col. Kevin Gross, V-22 Integrated Test Team Government Flight Test Director.

The last CH-53E Super Stallion was delivered to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 at MCAS New River, N.C., in November 2003. The Super Stallion provides heavy lift and transport capability for the Marine Corps. Facing page, combat cargo crew members secure a forklift to a CH-53E aboard Peleliu (LHA 5) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

EDITED BY WENDY LELAND