Article

2007-09-20 Iraq

Controversial Osprey aircraft deployed to Iraq

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Posted by gorb 2007-09-20 05:29|| || Front Page|| [11125 views ] Top

#1 30 years to get this thing working? I know it has been grounded several times for mechanical failure crashes in training - I think I'd rather ride the Sea Knight myself.

Posted by Glenmore">Glenmore 2007-09-20 07:37|| 2007-09-20 07:37|| Front Page Top

#2 From distant memories the problem with the Osprey is that transition from plane to helicopter mode and viceversa is aerodynamically very tricky (ie pray for no sudden wind gust) and the Osprey cannot do any maneuvering during it. Ie it is a sitting duck. In other words it cannot indert troops when there bad guys in the zone.

Posted by JFM">JFM 2007-09-20 08:46|| 2007-09-20 08:46|| Front Page Top

#3 The deployment marks a long-sought goal after three-decades of tilt-rotor technology that began with the development and flight of Bell Helicopter's XV-15 prototype in the 1970s. Fort Worth -based Bell is manufacturing the Osprey with Boeing Helicopters of Ridley Township, Pa.

Ah..em...
In my photo lib I have versions of this concept got back before WW-II. It has always been a turkey.

Posted by 3dc 2007-09-20 09:46|| 2007-09-20 09:46|| Front Page Top

#4 The Osprey is living proof of that old addage:

"Every man has a theory that will not work."

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2007-09-20 10:22|| 2007-09-20 10:22|| Front Page Top

#5 JFM,
Actually it is not quite that bad. You can switch to helicopter mode outside of the ZL and then come in like a helicopter, or if wind conditions are right, make the switch high above ground fire and then come down.

The thing you don't want to do is switch modes low to the ground.

Al

Posted by Frozen Al 2007-09-20 10:33|| 2007-09-20 10:33|| Front Page Top

#6 The thing you don't want to do is switch modes low to the ground.

Actually, this can be done, but only once.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2007-09-20 12:02|| 2007-09-20 12:02|| Front Page Top

#7 Marine aviation... always has been a lingering question or two in thinking men's minds.

Posted by Besoeker 2007-09-20 12:55|| 2007-09-20 12:55|| Front Page Top

#8 I like the name "The Thunder Chickens". It is right up there with "The Puking Dogs" fighter squadron.

Posted by SteveS 2007-09-20 13:45|| 2007-09-20 13:45|| Front Page Top

#9 The props are directly connected to their respective engine; the cross wing torque shaft is to provide power to a prop if / when an engine fails. i think there is limited flight capability on one engine, but due to the diameter of the props, it might be a bit tricky to sucessfully transistion them to some semblence of helicopter mode for the landing, i am picturing a roto-tiller-like event in that instance.
i think a bigger problem is going to be sand intrusion into the complicated fold-by-wire system: the props fold, and the wing pivots over the fuselage for shipboard storage and it is all controlled via the computer.
like an earlier poster said: bring on the Sea Knight.

Posted by USN, Ret. 2007-09-20 14:25|| 2007-09-20 14:25|| Front Page Top

#10 WHat are the advantages of this thing? You still have to go into Helo-mode to insert. When you're getting people out, won't the thing already be out of the danger zone by the time it elevates and switches back to plane-mode?

Posted by Free Radical">Free Radical 2007-09-20 15:43|| 2007-09-20 15:43|| Front Page Top

#11 "Marine aviation... always has been a lingering question or two in thinking men's minds."

Guess we can leave Army out of that then.

No wait - they can hold a question. Or two.

Posted by Daffy Elmomoque5453 2007-09-20 16:00|| 2007-09-20 16:00|| Front Page Top

#12 WHat are the advantages of this thing?

If it works, a big if, then it will beahve like a fixed wing except at laning take-off and that means much highrer speed, far less fuel use, a lot more range and higher payload than a helicopter all while being able to land where fixed wing planes can't.

If it works.

Posted by JFM">JFM 2007-09-20 18:03|| 2007-09-20 18:03|| Front Page Top

#13 If it doesn't then you all can point your fingers and laugh, 'kay?

Posted by Pappy 2007-09-20 22:32|| 2007-09-20 22:32|| Front Page Top

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