jeffg:
-If less than -1g is to limiting for "combat aircraft" perhaps you or someone else could tell us what the positive and negative g limits are for the UH-60, OH-58, CH-53E, CH-46, CH-47, UH-1N, AH-1W, UH-1Y, AH-1Z?
Good question!
But it's kind of irrelevant.
In helicopter mode, the V-22 is limited to a pathetic +2.25g and -.5g. Just like a Bell 47? Well...not really.
For comparison purposes, a
helicopter certified under FAR part 27 *or* part 29 (transport category) must endure limits of +3.5g and -1g. So any civilian helicopter can beat a V-22 in maneuvering limits. Let's look at airplanes!
In airplane mode, the V-22 has a limit of a measly +3.0g and -.75g.
Utility Category airplanes certified under FAR part 23 must meet a +4.4g limit and a -1.76g limit (.4 times the positive load factor).
Transport Category airplanes certified under FAR part 25 must meet a +3.8g and -1g limit.
So the V-22 still falls short - isn't even up to the same limits as a transport category fixed-wing. Damn. That's rough.
I did not bring up the lesser negative-g limitation for the V-22 in "converted" (or helicopter) mode. But I'm glad you did, Jeff! Let's leave combat aircraft out. The more appropriate comparison is between the V-22 and other Air Force
fixed-wing aircraft. You know, like a C-130. What are its limits?
If the V-22 is flying along up high, which is supposed to be one of the "benefits" it brings to the table over a helicopter, then what good is it if it cannot even avoid missiles fired from the surface?