Half of Osprey fleet requires engine fixes
Posted : Tuesday Dec 11, 2007 12:19:26 EST
More than half of the Air Force’s small fleet of CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft are seeing only limited flight time while they await modifications to a faulty engine component that caused a fire in a Marine Corps version of the aircraft.
Four of the service’s seven Ospreys are being flown only “on an as-required basis,” while three have already been modified and are fully operational, said 1st Lt. Amy Cooper, a spokeswoman for Air Force Special Operations Command, which owns the aircraft.
Work on the remaining four aircraft should be complete “shortly after the new year,” Cooper said, allowing them to return to full service.
The Air Force has four operational Ospreys at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and three training aircraft at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
The modifications were ordered after a Marine Corps Osprey from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., had to make an emergency landing due to an engine fire Nov. 6.
The faulty component, called the engine air particle separator, collects dust, dirt and debris that might find its way into the engine.
The Osprey has had a checkered past, and 26 Marines and four civilians died during flight testing before the aircraft ever flew an operational mission.
The first squadron of 10 Marine Corps Ospreys deployed to Iraq in September.
Staff writer Michael Hoffman contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- New danger pay rules begin
- Nellis airman killed in crash was from Ill.
- The ‘Stan: An officer’s unvarnished view
- Owner of troubled uniform store arrested
- Official: U.S. misjudged al-Qaida capabilities
- Staff sgt. offered TV tryout after viral video
- Report: Air Force fires men’s basketball coach
- Space-A planning makes its way to Facebook
- Four AFSCs added to restricted list, three cut
- Guard general opposes A-10 removal at Ind. base
- DoD launches pay calculator for wounded troops
- Last known WWI veteran dies at 110
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
2011 Insider's Guide To Military BenefitsThis handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






