Osprey Reaches 100-Flight Hour Mark
Navy Newsstand
Release Date: 11/08/2002
By Ward Carroll, NAVAIR Public Affairs, V-22
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- 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 lose its intensity. In the coming months, the ITT will be executing the high rate of descent 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.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
