One of the many aspects of this program which is so disturbing is watching Marine GENERALS touting the civilian aviation spinoff potential of the Osprey. It makes me wonder what jobs await them at Bell and Boeing upon retirement??
If this plane is the perfect answer for busy executives, then let the GENERALS test it first. Let them fly it exclusively, between the Pentagon, Andrews AFB, and all bases within range, in all weather,in all seasons, day and night.
When the GENERALS have racked up a few thousand safe flying hours in this aircraft, THEN let them order Marine enlisted men and junior officers to fly it.
To order Marine enlisted men and JOs to fly in an aircraft the GENERALS are afraid to fly smacks of dishonor.
And I don't mean a few clear weather daytime photo-op hops. The GENERALS need to ride this bird in all weather, all seasons, day and night for a year.
Then I will be satisfied.
I will not be satisfied at all unless the V-22's design allows for safe power off landings and that ability has been thoroughly demonstrated.
I will not be fully satisfied unless the V-22's design is shown to comply with the safety design criteria that have been proven necessary over the century of aircraft development that we cannot ignore by greed driven fiat.
As I've said and implied before in the Osprey threads, the crew voluntarily puts their lives on the line, but there's a higher responsibility on the designers, manufacturers, ground support and crew when passengers are involved.
There being nothing further to consider, the V-22 program should be terminated.