the V22 was never intended or designed to perform the 53 series missions
Sans, was this comment intended to refer to the Echo/Kilo only? Because the Osprey certainly
was designed to replace the CH-53D in service.
V-22 Osprey
Description: The V-22 Osprey is a multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft designed for combat, combat support, combat service support, and Special Operations missions worldwide. It will replace the Corps' aged fleet of CH-46E and CH-53D medium lift helicopters.