V-22 Osprey Program: Are We Properly Protecting This Valuable Asset and Its Passengers?; Does It Meet the Full Requirement for All Future USMC Medium Lift Operations?
Abstract
The V-22 is a technological leap in rotary wing performance characteristics and far exceeds the capabilities of the CH-46E, but due to issues with protection, capabilities, and cost it cannot safely fill the gap the United States Marine Corps needs filled in assault support. Soon after the XV-15 was in a flight demonstration at the Paris Air Show in 1981, the Department of Defense started the Joint Service Advanced Vertical Lift Aircraft (JVX) program to investigate the use of tilt-rotor technology to replace the then current medium-lift tactical transport aircraft in the military. From that point on, the V-22 program has gone through many controversial debates and decisions. But one thing that has not been given enough thought is the change in the threat environment, the vast proliferation of these threats, and the increasing involvement of nonstate actors. The tactics and operating parameters of Marines in the field have changed in the decades since the V-22 was conceived. These changes have affected the current and future threats the V-22 will encounter. The United States Marine Corps should take a serious look at two areas of interest. First, the protection of the V-22 is in jeopardy if changes in self-protection and escort capabilities are not made. Second, there is a need for another medium/heavy lift rotary wing assault support aircraft to fill the capabilities gap between the CH-53K and the V-22 in both cost and aircraft efficiency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA516460
Entities
People
- Paul F. Spangenberger
Organizations
- Marine Corps University