In addition to riding on the wings of Eagles, Falcons and Hawks, the Air Force will also fly with the Ospreys soon.

The CV-22 Osprey, that is.

The Air Force will buy 50 of the tilt-rotor aircraft for use by Air Force Special Operations Command.

The Osprey will first go through several developmental and operational test phases both at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and Kirtland AFB, N.M. It should be ready for deployment by 2009, said Maj. Percy Dunagin, commander of Detachment 1 of the 18th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards.

The Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that flies like a propeller airplane but takes off and lands like a helicopter. The first aircraft is now undergoing testing at Edwards. The second one arrived at the high desert base in late October and the third is expected in February.

“The CV-22 has twice the speed and range of a helicopter but is able to operate from short fields. So it’s a unique combination that will augment the mission of special operations forces,” Major Dunagin said.

“Helicopters have an advantage and fixed-wing aircraft have an advantage. The CV-22 fills a niche between the two.”

The Marines fly the Osprey, too. The Air Force version includes a multi-mode radar system that allows it to fly in adverse weather and at night, the major said.

“It’s extremely important for special operations forces to be able to complete their mission any place, any time. The CV-22 will be a key piece of equipment toward accomplishing that mission,” Major Dunagin said.

“Testing is going well. The radar is a big success and the electronic warfare system is making great progress.”

Because of the increased flying range, the CV-22 -- and the special operations units that will use it -- can operate farther from the front lines. This will leave them at less risk between missions, said Tech. Sgt. Chad Ackman, a flight engineer who is helping to put the Osprey through its paces.

The sergeant said the speed of the aircraft will also reduce workload and fatigue on aircrews and passengers.

“The instruments are all digital readouts, as opposed to the old analog ones,” he said. “So it’s one thing that makes the flight engineers’ job on board the aircraft a whole lot easier.”

As a pilot, Major Dunagin echoed those sentiments.

“Flying the CV-22 is an absolute thrill and we’re all impressed with its maneuverability and stability,” the major said. “On top of its mission capabilities, this is truly an amazing aircraft.

“I think the Air Force will be really pleased with it,” he said. [ANN Thanks Senior Airman J.G. Buzanowski, Air Force Print News]

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