Testing emphasis operations on and around an amphibious assault ship, the Iwo Jima

On June 29 the V-22 Integrated Test Team completed Phase IV of the Osprey's shipboard suitability testing, the fifth of six at-sea periods the tiltrotor will go through during the aircraft's developmental testing.  This was the latest in a series of tests leading to the aircraft's operational evaluation and subsequent full-rate production decision next year.  During the eight days aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) operating in the waters off the coast of Maryland, the ITT did much toward proving the Osprey's capability on and around an amphibious assault ship.

In the course of shipboard testing in 1999, the V-22 demonstrated a tendency to tilt along its lateral axis when sitting on the flight deck behind a hovering aircraft - a phenomenon known as "uncommanded roll on deck."  Because the Osprey has a digital flight control system, engineers are able to reprogram the flight controls to eliminate undesirable characteristics such as roll on deck.  Previous shipboard suitability phases have tested the performance of the Osprey behind a hovering H-1, H-46, and H-53.  Phase IVB was designed to test the effect on a V-22 behind a hovering V-22.

"All of our test results with regard to roll on deck were as good as or better than anticipated," said Lt. Col. Kevin Gross, USMC, Government Flight Test Director and Chief V-22 Test Pilot.  "The handling of the Osprey in the shipboard environment is proving to be one of its strong characteristics."

A series of firsts were accomplished during this test period, Gross said.  Along with the first shipboard interaction tests of a V-22 in the vicinity of another V-22, it was the first time a V-22 landed on Spots 5 and 6 - the landing points adjacent to the ship's island.  Additionally, the wind envelope for LHD-class V-22 operations was expanded - an important element toward a successful OPEVAL next year.

The Integrated Test Team was offered another challenge when Osprey No. 22 had a nacelle component failure while hovering over the flight deck during the final V-22/V-22 interaction tests.  Subsequent landing and shutdown were uneventful, and an investigation into the malfunction continues.

"Even with a component failure, this was an overwhelmingly successful detachment," said Col. Craig Olson, USAF, V-22 Program Manager, who had his first taste of shipboard life during this test period.  "Now I know firsthand that the days at sea are long ones, and I thank the Integrated Test Team for their work toward fielding this remarkable capability."

FMI: www.naivair.navy.mil