EXCLUSIVE: First Video of Osprey in Iraq
An inside source over in Iraq shot me a note yesterday with a link that shows a Marine-produced video telling the story of their assistance in securing routes for Iraqis traveling to the Haaj.
But in it - about half way through - is the first known footage of the Osprey on a deployment. It's just a quick shot, but we'll call it a "proof of life" that the MV-22 is indeed deployed to Iraq and can land safely in the desert (sarcasm).
Also, my bro in Iraq joked with me that he took a ride on an Osprey the other day to the town of Qaim. It was his first time in an Osprey and he was a serious skeptic. On his way back to base, he had to fly aboard a CH-53 and he told me he kept thinking to himself "what the hell is taking so long..." The Osprey's performance changed his mind, as it did for me when I took a ride in one.
Enjoy the footage as you rest up from yesterday's thanksgiving feast.
-- Christian
AFSOC V-22 Set for Major Tests Next Month
The program director for the Air Force spec ops version of the V-22 said Tuesday the tiltrotor aircraft should begin initial operational test and evaluation flights by late October or early November.
Col. Tarik Abboushi said at a breakfast meeting with reporters he’s drawing upon prior testing by the Marine Corps to get their MV-22 operational to help inform his test regime, but added he’s concentrating on working through the integration of key subsystems, including terrain-following radar, defensive countermeasures and navigation systems.
Abboushi also said AFSOC has issued a requirement for an “all-quadrant gun.” Currently the CV-22 uses a ramp-mounted weapon system for defensive fire. Abboushi said it was unclear whether the all-quadrant gun would require design changes, but he said he's pretty sure major changes will probably not be needed.
The CV-22 is expected to breeze through IOT&E for a go-ahead by Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center to enter into initial operational capability with AFSOC in early 2009, Abboushi said.
-- Christian
