Friday
November 8, 2002
Osprey Reaches 100-flight hour Mark
PATUXENT RIVER, Md, USA ( US Naval Air systems Command Press Release ) -
The V-22 Integrated Test Team recently surpassed 100 hours flown since the
program's return to flight in late May of this year. The milestone was
reached by Osprey No. 10 on a three-hour test flight crewed by Maj. Shawn
Healy, Maj. Paul Ryan, and Staff Sgt. Michael Snyder.
"It's a great feeling," said Healy. "All test points were met on our
flight, which is representative of how things have gone lately. We've done
a lot to get the program where it is."
"The integrated test team has gelled," Fred Madenwald, Integrated Test Team
(ITT) Contract Flight Test Director, said. Madenwald credits the ITT
concept with moving the Osprey program effectively forward. "The Marines,
Air Force, Dyncorp, and Rolls-Royce have all come together to make things
happen," he said. "Like all test programs we've had some unplanned
problems, but the way we're configured allows us to solve them quickly."
While justifiably proud of reaching the 100-hour milestone, the V-22 program
isn't about to slacken its intensity. In the coming months the ITT will be
executing the High Rate of Decent (HROD) test plan as well as accepting
their fifth aircraft from the Bell-Boeing plant in Amarillo, Texas.
"Passing the 100-hour mark is a big step toward proving the V-22 is a safe
aircraft," Madenwald said, "but it's just one step. We're not going to let
up until the Osprey is supporting the fleet, and even then we'll still be
around to help it realize its full potential. The V-22 is an amazing
airplane."
NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a
seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.
From professional training to carrier launch and recovery; from sensor data
to precision targeting and real-time communications; from aircraft and
weapons development to successful deployment and sustainment; NAVAIR
provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American
warfighter.
News: MV-22 resumes flying, all ok ( May 29, 2002 )
V-22 Osprey
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