LW,
Sorry, I'm probably behind you on that, your info may be more up to date. I haven't been privy to any details on hourly costs. The last info I heard in the open press was that the V-22 rate was at 11k/hr (although claims of late are that it is now 20% lower) and the 53E was higher than the 11k figure. No official confirmation, and unfortunately as we all know we cannot rely on numbers floating around on the internet.
Like you, I do not represent a vested interest in the V-22 (shareholder, employee, spokesperson). We are an offshore helicopter operation in the middle east, and a future operator of the 609 (whenever it gets here!!). We only have peripheral access to the manufacturer reps and some current and former military personnel engaged in the program at the operational level.
21stC
Last edited by 21stCen; 7th Dec 2011 at 17:27.