Posted on 04/19/2013 10:54:31 PM PDT by haffast
WASHINGTON — The Marine helicopter squadron responsible for flying President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, cabinet members and other VIPs has a new aircraft: An MV-22 Osprey.
HMX-1’s tilt-rotor aircraft is painted green and will be used in a support role, transporting the president’s staff and the media, Marine spokesman Capt. Richard Ulsh confirmed.
Helicopters that transport the president are typically painted white on top and referred to as “white tops.”
“The Osprey is a staple within our fleet. It has proven itself in the most difficult environments as a capable and reliable asset,” Ulsh said, noting that including the Osprey in the HMX-1 fleet “highlights the maturity of the technology and safety of the aircraft.”
snip
(Excerpt) Read more at stripes.com ...
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.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3009903/posts
“The Osprey is a staple within our fleet. It has proven itself in the most difficult environments as a capable and reliable asset,” Ulsh said, noting that including the Osprey in the HMX-1 fleet “highlights the maturity of the technology and safety of the aircraft.”
Interesting,, with such a mature and safe aircraft, sounds like it should be flying Obama around too,,,right? Right?
They're working on it. USA to approve V-22 sale to Israel
I don’t think any case can be made at all for cutting procurement of the V-22 at this point. The aircraft is as successful in operational use as its advocates had said it would be, for decades now. It’s price is high but coming down steadily as the manufacturers learn to produce it efficiently. The multi-year procurement contracts dramatically reduce costs and ensure vendor-base stability and thus quality. System upgrades and capability improvements are coming regularly. A better argument can be made for cutting the gargantuan F-35 procurement program. They entered production too early and ramped up too fast by several years, IMO.
TC
There is considerable difference in status between the White Tops and the rest of HMX-1 aircraft. Also in crews.
I have flown the HMX-1 regular birds. On a flight into Anacostia to deliver spare parts to the standby White Top VH-3s, while flying as the co-pilot of an HMX-1 CH-53D green top, I was allowed to get out of the aircraft to do a post-flight “walk around”, but could not leave the immediate area of our helo. I was with a Presidential pilot who was the aircraft commander.
I was allowed to walk through the hangar at Quantico containing the spare, spare VH-3s, but could not approach the aircraft. At the time I was an active duty USMC 1st Lt and CH-53D pilot on TAD to Quantico and doing some flying with HMX-1.
White Tops & crews are a whole different world from the rest of HMX-1 and Marine Aviation. The Osprey will probably work its way into White Top status, someday.
I insist that the Osprey fly “The Divine One.” It is suggested that a letter campaign be initiated.
I wasn’t a fan of the Osprey until MR proved that it was a good aircraft. I’d like to see its success as it would make a wonderful aircraft for smaller commuter airports. Anything to dimish the power of urban liberals is a good thing.
He must keep flying in an Osprey. It is “THE ODDS!”
You really fail to comprehend the extent of maintenance and training at HMX-1.
Probably, if you take statements as being literal. However, I may have been having fun due to the Osprey’s development problems.
Also, as much as I hate that muslim POS Soetoro and hope the remainder of his time on this earth is nothing but a personal living hell, the aircrew and the aircraft would be lost as well and that would be the real shame.
True.
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