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Abstract:
There has been much debate over the future of medium lift for the Marine Corps. With the service life of the CH-46E coming to an end, the Marine Corps needed to find a replacement. As technology progressed, a tiltrotor aircraft seemed like an ideal solution. The Marine Corps pursued that option, resulting in the MV-22 Osprey. Over the years, the Osprey program has generated much criticism. Skeptics argued about the safety of the aircraft and maintenance program, and now that the Osprey has achieved its initial operational capability (IOC), the main concern is whether or not the Osprey will be able to fulfill the role of the aircraft it is replacing. A common view exists that the Osprey will be unable to complete all the missions of the CH-46E, thus resulting in a capabilities gap. The major concerns for this capabilities gap revolve around five main issues: escort for the Osprey, the casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) mission, self-defense, landing zone (LZ) criteria, and shipboard operations. However, as technology continues to increase, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) continue to be developed and refined, the Osprey is not only capable of accomplishing all of the missions of the CH-46E, but it will also bring an increase in capabilities not available with the CH-46E.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Research paper |
| Pages: |
19 |
| Report Date: |
24-Feb-2008 |
| Report Number: |
A555894 |
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