Engines, N-a-B;
As ever, very interesting. The V-22 idea was debated here sometime ago, and IIRC there was also an issue with the lack of pressurisation and, cost. Which was reputedly massive. (Mahoosive, in fact). For a maximum of 12 aircraft, getting the altitude performance and radar integration work done seemed to provide a range of numbers from the shockingly high to the truly absurd. However, if we could expand the customer base, then at least the engineering amortisation would be spread further - which leaves Spain, Italy, Thailand and India as possibles with little carriers and a potential MASC requirement.
(Though I heard a rumour that the Spanish Armada have probably permanently binned their Bagged Sea Kings; sad, if true).
Presume that discussions are on-going with these, and other - USMC? - air arms about a joint programme? This is a rumour site after all....
S41