The Navy will not buy the V-22 to replace the Grumman C-2. Too expensive. Most likely, a bunch of people in the Pentagon were sitting around, discussing the old C-2s and what should be done with them in the long run. One of the options on the list was, "Replace C-2 with V-22," over which the Admirals and such probably had a good belly-laugh at the stupidity of such a thing. But hey, even the most outlandish suggestions must be considered, even the ones that everyone knows won't work. Then some media boob got ahold of that information and came to the brilliant conclusion that, "THE NAVY IS CONSIDERING REPLACING THE C-2 WITH THE V-22!!! OMG!!!"
Jeez Louise. Not. Gonna. Happen.
Yes, all of the current C-2's were manufactured back in the mid-1980s. This does not mean that they are entering their "twilight years," which is just a silly thing to say. The phrase brings to mind doddering grandfathers who've outlived their usefulness. Which is not the case with the current C-2.
The 35 C-2's in the inventory are undergoing an improvement program that will keep them operational until 2027. Mostly, it's about increasing the number of allowable carrier landings. But then what...after 2027?
Well...I suppose Grumman *could* be enticed into re-opening up the line and building 30 or so more C-2s. They could call them C-2A(R)(R) for "re-reprocured." Or maybe just call it the dang B-model. I mean, if something works well - as the C-2 so obviously does - and nothing is on the drawing board to replace it, then why not stick with the original? What's wrong with that?
The C-2 carries more troops and litters than a V-22. And it does it faster. On less horsepower (fuel consumption).
And it won't melt and buckle the carrier deck when it lands.
Replace the C-2 with the V-22? Suuuuuuuuure.