Posted on 02/11/2014 3:52:22 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
In January 2014 a United States Marine Corps (USMC) V22 Osprey landed for the first time onboard the Dixmude, a French Navy Mistral class LHD. The success of this experiment confirmed the full interoperability of Mistral class amphibious vessels with the means implemented by American Expeditionary Strike Groups. The French LHD are indeed fully interoperable with LCAC landing crafts, with heavy helicopters (Sikorsky CH53 Sea Stallion) and now with the Bell-Boeing V22 Opsrey tilt rotor aircraft.
A USMC V22 Osprey onboard the French Navy Dixmude LHD Picture: French Navy
For about two hours several deck landings were conducted in order to perform environmental surveys. These have allowed the French Navy experimental squadron to validate the V22 operations according to the specific aerology of the French LHD and to fine tune the landing zones on the vessel.
Given the mass, dimensions, blast and heat produced by the tiltrotor aircraft, this first experiment was delicate. Mistral class vessels, the number 1 landing sport located at the bow is reinforced for heavy helicopters. Mistral LHDs are used to accommodate NH90 Caiman helicopters weighing up to 10 tons fully loaded but the V22 which landed weighed 22 tonnes.
A USMC V22 Osprey conducted qualification trials with the French Navy Dixmude LHD Picture: French Navy
Two French Navy test pilots (one from an experimental squadron, CEPA/10S, the other from the French Procurement Agency DGA) were present onboard the V22 to observe and assist the USMC crew in the maneuvers. According to the commander of CEPA/10S and flight test engineer, "with this first phase we validated the location, refined procedures and performed environmental measures primarily of wind and temperature. Although we had little concern about it, these experiments confirm the ability of Mistral class LHDs to accomodate the V22 in acceptable security conditions from the vessel perspective as well as from the aircraft perspective."
"The success of this step is a further milestone in enhancing interoperability between the French and American navies and allows to consider a wider approval of the platform for this type of aircraft," concluded Captain Pierre de Briançon, Commanding Officer of the Dixmude LHD.
French control freak bureaucracy and territoriality at its best.
The only reason for trials in manufacturing is for establishing protocols of overall supervision of affecting processes.
I think they got to spy on a nice piece of equipment.
Actually, the relationship between the U.S. military and the French military is pretty close as compared to the relationship between our governments.
From the looks of it, the Dixmude appears to be about the same size (if not a little smaller) than the old Iwo Jima class, so it’s understandable for the French to have some observers onboard the V-22 for the trials.
I wonder if any deck plates were buckled by the Osprey’s engine exhaust.
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