[Constantine XI Palaeologus]

Ditto on the skepticism.

Since it's unarmed (at least the last time I checked--a year ago maybe), I don't like how it's so vulnerable in hover mode. Especially, if the Iranians do have proximity fused RPGs (I think I read this on another thread), or even regular HEAT RPG rounds it seems like other aircraft will have to support the landing (like helicopters). And now that I hear it's noisy (unsurprising, I suppose), I don't see how it's all that viable. Sure it's able to carry more than a helicopter, but I don't know about the tradeoffs.

Good to see it isn't crashing anymore, though.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Since it's unarmed (at least the last time I checked--a year ago maybe),

Things move pretty fast, relatively, in Marine TacAir. That's why one needs to pay close attention.

Staff Sgt. Theodore K. Mahiai, a VMX-22 crew chief and one of the first to fire the “Osprey’s” new, rear-mounted M-240 weapon system, scans the area for possible targets during a flight Aug. 15.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Samuel D. White
Photo ID: 2006822115214
Submitting Unit: MCAS New River
Photo Date:08/22/2006

[endthematrix]

The trade off is range.

[A.A. Cunningham]

And now that I hear it's noisy

Acoustic signature of the Osprey is 1/3 that of the Sea Knight.