January 18, 2007
V-22 Osprey: A Deathtrap
This is our first podcast for the CDI Straus Military Reform Project. It's a new series for EP that I'll "broadcast" irregularly in-between our regular Friday shows. This particular recording, unfortunately, has moderate technical problems (difficult to filter out noise from a ventilation system, especially towards the end as the mic position changes), but it's listenable. And, the subject is important. Lee Gaillard presents his recent report on the Osprey to a small group at CDI and there's an interesting colloquy in the Q&A that follows. Please see the CDI site for further details on Gaillard's study. Total runtime of an hour and eighteen minutes.
Comments
Poorly researched, with weak conclusions and little aviation or tactical credibility...Sounds dramatic in selective forums, but is meaningless, and is an attempt to grandstand on issues that are outdated.
Posted by: Mongo | January 23, 2007 9:05 AM
I won't challenge Mr. Gaillard's criticism of the defense procurement process, but his report reveals some unrealistic expectations of the V22. Vortex Ring State is a limitation that affects ALL rotor wing aircraft. As a helicopter pilot, I use a rate of descent no more than 200 feet per minute below 300 feet above the ground on final approach. Combat helicopter pilots have had to maneuver with similar restrictions for years. In fact, an 800 fpm restriction on descent for the V22 sounds quite generous! In addition, downwash and vertigo problems are also shared by helicopter pilots while operating in a hover. These problems are overcome with training and excellent crew coordination. Mr. Gaillard admits that he "doesn't like helicopters". I don't think this bias is balanced by reliance on a few helicopter pilots in his rolodex file. As a result, he overlooks the fact that the v22 has to operate with limitations that have plagued helicopters ever since they were designed. This should be no surprise, however, as the V22 is more helicopter than airplane in my opinion.
Posted by: N. Strickland | January 24, 2007 9:19 PM
Finally had a chance to listen to this. I'd been vaguely aware of the controversy surrounding the V-22, but this was a useful intro to some of the of the details of the criticism — and a great insight into the enormously expensive technical and political binds the US military-industrial system can produce!
In some ways, I see the V-22 as similar to that of the Space Shuttle: the design flaws do not negate the fact that in essence it's a most remarkable piece of machinery. Whether it's fit for combat however, is another question...
Posted by: Richard | February 2, 2007 4:17 PM
I am not a helicopter pilot, but as a citizen I pay for them.
I do know something about aircraft — my father was chief design engineer for Convair, my daughter is a computer engineer for Boeing. I am a pilot and have worked in the aerospace industry (marketing and engineering of electrical connectors).
I found the talk very informative, if not entirely from a technical aspect, at least in point out key problem areas. Most importantly, this shows just how badly out of control the so-called defense industry is in the USA.
Posted by: Pandabonium | June 22, 2007 4:29 AM