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2009-06-24 Science & Technology

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2009-06-24 14:32|| || Front Page|| [5 views ] Top

#1 NASA experts told the Marines years ago that the aircraft had great difficulty landing on aircraft carriers in the rolling open seas.

Ummm, being ex-Navy this is a fake problem, in "Rolling Seas" Carrier operations are suspended anyway.

Posted by Redneck Jim 2009-06-24 14:41|| 2009-06-24 14:41|| Front Page Top

#2 By September, Ospreys will have new, belly-mounted guns.

So much for the original mission requirement funding statements. What ever happened to that golfcart size USMC mini-Hummer personnel ground vehicle that was supposed to fit in the cargo area?

Posted by Besoeker 2009-06-24 14:46|| 2009-06-24 14:46|| Front Page Top

#3 This is a good list of it's shortcomings. What can it do that will help the mission in Afghanistan?

Posted by Richard of Oregon 2009-06-24 14:46|| 2009-06-24 14:46|| Front Page Top

#4 From Wik, take it for what it's worth:

The Osprey has provided support in Iraq, racking up some 2000 flight hours over three months with a mission capable availability rate of 68.1% as of late-January 2008.

A 69.1% Operational Readiness (OR) rate for a military aircraft is the worst kind of pi** poor.

Posted by Besoeker 2009-06-24 14:51|| 2009-06-24 14:51|| Front Page Top

#5 golfcart size USMC mini-Hummer personnel ground vehicle that was supposed to fit in the cargo area?

You just described the oiginal Jeep, it was designed so four soldiers could pick it up if needed.

Posted by Redneck Jim 2009-06-24 14:53|| 2009-06-24 14:53|| Front Page Top

#6 The V-22 is a turkey; the program should have been ended years and billions of dollars ago. Nice idea, poor execution, and a fine example of what happens when you platinum plate your mission requirements.

For a lot less money the Marines would have had a new helicopter. Those copters would have been slower and less 'nimble', but they'd be hardier, cheaper and here today.

Posted by Steve White 2009-06-24 15:25|| 2009-06-24 15:25|| Front Page Top

#7 MH-47G is still the best aircraft in that class. The Marines got sold down the river on this one. I feel for them and for their families when the aircraft fails under fire.

Posted by 49 Pan 2009-06-24 15:44|| 2009-06-24 15:44|| Front Page Top

#8 I'm 31, and I could swear I remember hearing about this thing being a major developement headache before I was old enough to drink.

Posted by Mike N. 2009-06-24 15:57|| 2009-06-24 15:57|| Front Page Top

#9 Just last week, a squadron of V-22s from North Carolina left the United States aboard the USS Bataan.

My niece is deployed on the Bataan (avionics tech). Now my wife's gonna start worrying even more, given the destination.
/proud uncle

Posted by xbalanke 2009-06-24 16:00|| 2009-06-24 16:00|| Front Page Top

#10 They are also the noisiest things ever to take to the air.

Posted by Bright Pebbles 2009-06-24 19:03|| 2009-06-24 19:03|| Front Page Top

#11 USMC reserve aviation guy retired this year, finally got to fly in an Osprey in Iraq. He remembers his first enlistment being told to apply for flight because they would have the Osprey by the time he got his wings.

Posted by OldSpook 2009-06-24 23:21|| 2009-06-24 23:21|| Front Page Top

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