(...Dons k-pot...)
To be fair, the V-22 is not designed to replace the Wokka or Stallion in the transport role - the CV-22 is replacing the AFSOC MH-53J/M in the CSAR role, where response time (i.e. penetration speed) and range is more important than off-loading capability, while SOCOM is retaining and upgrading its MH-47s.
Agree though that it's bizarre the V-22 (6ft hold width) wasn't designed to accommodate the 7ft Humvee, necessitating external carriage (for which there is presumably a dictated airspeed limit), but I guess if the Marines asked for a Frog replacement then that's what they're getting. While the Osprey is out-lifted by the Chinook (despite more installed power), it easily out performs the Frog (7.5 t vs 2 t), and the cabin size is identical.
(And you can pretty much guarantee Bell-Boeing has a design for a 'fat-ass' fuselage ready to be funded...
)
At this stage, the Corps is probably just glad to receive anything new - I've been told that the Frog's performance is so degraded these days (simply due to old age) that it struggles to lift a dozen grunts on a hot day, let alone a full complement.
The Marines are indeed interested in a high-speed escort (BA609, armed V-22, VTDP'd Cobra or - maybe? - an X2 type vehicle), but having just committed $4 billion to the AH-1Z program I doubt Congress will be overly impressed ! Once the MV-22 is into FRP, we'll probably seen attention focused back on the self-defense armament proposals (50cal nose gun, etc.).
I/C
(Removes k-pot and runs for nearest trench)