Osprey.

This is coolbert:

Once again to the V-22 Osprey. Soon to be deployed into combat for the first time. Going to Iraq for use by the U.S. Marines. Good luck to them. That Osprey equipped unit might actually be in-country right now, as we speak?

I know a lot of folks in the aviation field have a lot of trepidation about the Osprey. It is felt that there are several inherent flaws to the aircraft.

According to this recent television program about the Osprey, the aviation experts do agree that there are inherent difficulties associated with the V-22. Difficulties, NOT EXACTLY, however, as what I had understood.

The Osprey:

* Lacks the ability for helicopter [rotary tilt] autorotation landing. The ability for a rotary wing aircraft to land [vertical descent] in a controlled manner even with engine failure.

"during auto rotation, air moves up into the rotor system from below as helicopter descends . . . It is the means by which a helicopter can be landed safely in the event of an engine failure."

* The Osprey is more susceptible to vortex ring state than other rotary wing aircraft [this in a vertical descent also].

A descending rotary wing aircraft, passing through the very air beaten downward by the rotor blades, creates a re-circulation of air that "can negate much of the lifting force and cause a catastrophic loss of altitude".



With regard to vortex ring state, having two engines means that an asymmetric descent can only exacerbate the situation?

The Marines DO APPEAR to be aware of these "difficulties" and have adopted protocols and procedures to handle emergencies involving at least vortex ring state. As for auto rotation, well, you do have two engines. But, what if one goes out and you are in vertical descent mode? What then? Asymmetry makes the beast difficult to fly and land safely?

coolbert.