V22 Osprey landing to single spot ship - (video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZX0KRRWyWc
I wondered how much steel I'd want between me and it.
Then I saw this little blurb:
The Osprey's Real Problem Isn't Safety—It's Money
"The White House's proposed 2013 budget trims 24 aircraft (from 122 to 98) over five years, saving $1.75 billion. But those orders could be reinstated during negotiations of the Pentagon's contract with Osprey maker Bell-Boeing. The fact that the Osprey has escaped the budget ax's deepest cuts confirms its improved reputation within the military."
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/planes-uavs/the-ospreys-real-problem-isnt-safety-its-money-8347657
So, cut some from the US budget, and sell 'em to Israel. They'll be there if we need 'em. With trained Israeli pilots who know the terrain and the drill.
Obama happy. Bell-Boeing happy. Israel happy.
But I'd rather ride with you.
I suppose.
"Aircraft for export could easily be slotted into the expected second American multi-year buy, Col. Greg Masiello, joint V-22 program manager, U.S. Naval Air Systems command, said here at the Farnborough International airshow yesterday. He did not identify potential customers, but serious interest from Canada, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been reported."
"Bell Boeing officials have suggested that the tilt-rotor could also replace the VH-3s used to transport the U.S. President himself."
"Despite the recent crash of an AFSOC aircraft on a training mission, Masiello said the Osprey’s poor safety reputation was behind it. “The hydraulics and the wiring were completely redesigned after the early accidents. It’s perfectly safe. I would fly my family in it,” he added."
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2012-07-09/bell-pushes-v-22-tiltrotor-sales-drive
Oil and gas rigs, good call.