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BELL COMPLETES FIRST PRODUCTION V-22 OSPREY

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to military programs like the Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey. It has been almost exactly ten years since the first flight of the prototype (which took place on 19 March 1989 in Arlington, Texas) and the maiden flight of first production model, which is to take place at the same spot shortly.

During this decade, the revolutionary tiltrotor transport (which is as fast as a turboprop and can take off like a helicopter) had to overcome two crashes, harsh criticism about its performance and costs and even a temporary suspension of the program by the Pentagon.

Due to pressure exerted by the US Congress, the current EMD phase started in October 1992. It entails engineering, manufacturing and development with four test models, which have been thoroughly redesigned from the first six prototypes.

Although Bell and Boeing were initially behind schedule by about two months, the four new Ospreys recently managed to fulfil their test program continuously, building up many flight hours. They were also able to set a lot of important milestones. On 2 March 1998 the maximum take off mass of 27,443 kg could be confirmed for the first time. On this occasion the V-22 did not lift off vertically, but needed a rolling distance of 915 meters before climbing out at a rate of five meters/sec.

A day later Captain William Witzig and Major Bill Wainwright, both from the US Marine Corps, took off for a night flight, which lasted two hours and during which the night vision goggles were tested. They are used in combination with a FLIR, (forward looking infra red sensor in the nose), and are said to give very good results.

The ITT (Integrated Test Team) pilots were also satisfied after air refuelling trials behind a KC-130 Hercules, which took place in Patuxent River, Maryland. Major Kevin Gross, (USMC), reported that it was easy to keep the Osprey in a stable position in aircraft mode, i.e. with the engines kept in a horizontal position. Previous problems, which were experienced when the rotor blades were in an intermediate position, were remedied by changing the software, Bell claims

On 19 August 1998 the V-22 was able to transport a load weighing 4,535 kg at a speed of 407 km/h. This was faster than any other rotary winged aircraft before. However, there are limitations with regards to the transport of some underslung loads. The speed with an HMMWV cross-country vehicle underneath is limited to 220 km/h, because of possible damage to the vehicle.

Apart form the trials at Patuxent River, one Osprey transferred to the Army Airfield in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from mid September until mid October. The site at an altitude of 1,400 meters was used for hover flight tests at low air density. During these trials engineers measured the V-22's towing power with the aid of a cable, which was anchored to the ground. Noise levels were also measured at Huachuca.

At the end of October two aircraft were also stationed at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in order to practise commando rope manoeuvres and the dropping of life rafts. The aircraft were supported by the Special Operations Command. The results will be incorporated in the development of the CV-22-version.

In the meantime some VIPs had the chance to fly with the Osprey. Admiral Jay L. Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations, praised the V-22 and called it a "technological breakthrough, which we cannot do without for everything we will do in the 21st century". Michael E. Ryan, USAF's Chief of Staff, is also convinced that the Osprey will "open completely new dimensions for the deployment of our special troops".

However, the time has not yet come, as more tests are due. From 15 January until mid February thorough trials on the helicopter carrier USS Saipan were conducted. Off the Norfolk coast the Osprey's performance during take off and touch down was being tested. Engine failure was also simulated. Marine maintenance staff also checked how well they were able to work on the V-22 in the confined hangars below deck.

Further sea trials are also part of the operational evaluation, which will start in October 1999 and last eight months. Only when the results are favourable, the production rate will be increased from the currently low LRIP phase. To this purpose Bell will transfer the final assembly from the third aircraft onwards from Arlington to Amarillo, where a new factory is being built for Bell's tilt rotor models.

According to current plans, the first MV-22s will be moved to VMMT-206 in New River, North Carolina, at the end of May and July respectively. This Marine Corps squadron serves as a joint training unit with the USAF and should be ready for action with a dozen aircraft by the middle of 2001. After this the re-equipment of four helicopter squadrons, which are positioned on the East Coast, is on the agenda. First deployment from aircraft carriers could possibly be in 2003.

It is planned that the USAF will have received its first CV-22s for their Special Operations Forces by then as well.

The design review for this version of the Osprey was completed at the beginning of December 1988. Prototypes No. 7 and 9 will be modified accordingly for test, which are still outstanding. It is planned to start flight tests in October.

Amongst other things the CV-22 will be fitted with an improved radar system for low-altitude terrain following flight, comprehensive electronic self protection systems, a tactical terminal for the exchange of data about battle situations and additional tanks, to double the aircraft's range. According to Lt. Col. Jonathan Jay from the Air Force Special Operations Command, (AFSOC), the additional cost is $ 5 million.

Figures for the fly-away price of the Osprey still differ widely. They range from $29.4 million, which was the manufacturer's price target in 1994, to $57.5 million. This price was given by the programme office as an average for the entire duration of the production. The reason for this range is the fact that it is difficult at the moment to predict final number of units and production rates. According to Bell the V-22 is a bargain at any price.

The US Marine Corps at least fully agrees. General Krulak thinks that the Osprey "will give us the unique opportunity to increase the effectiveness of our expedition troops tremendously. The best return on investment is to purchase the V-22 as quickly as possible. It will give us new abilities and deployment options, which no other force in the world will have at its disposal".

From page 48 of FLUG REVUE 3/99