CV22 to Iraq

[Mr-AEO]

I see that US Marines are deploying CV22's to Iraq and now closely followed by US Special Forces (a year ahead of IOC) becuase of MH53 issues. I for one, will be interested to see how well these aircraft fair in this demanding environment.

[High_lander]

WASHINGTON -- The first combat squadron of tilt-rotor V-22 Ospreys has been quietly deployed to Iraq, ushering a new form of aerial technology into 21st Century warfare.

A Marine Corps aviation squadron and 10 Ospreys left for Iraq on Monday aboard the U.S.S. Wasp, a small Navy aircraft carrier known as an amphibious assault ship, said Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Eric Dent.

The departure from the Marine Air Station at New River, N.C., was made under extremely tight security with no advance notice to the media and no ceremonial speeches by Marine Corps officials. "It was just another workday for the squadron," said Dent.

Full story HERE.

Apparently the USAF is also trying to rush the CV-22s into service.

CV-22s may be rushed into service in Iraq

A squadron of tiltrotors for the US Special Operations Command may enter service in Iraq far in advance of the type's planned in-service date of early fiscal year 2009.

The first deployment of Bell Boeing CV-22s may be accelerated to replace an ageing fleet of Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Lows currently used by air force special operations units for transport and search-and-rescue missions, US Air Force chief of staff Gen Michael Moseley said on 26 September.

Full story HERE.


I remember reading an article on Flight's website about the lack of defensive armements on the CV-22s and SOCOM worry over it. Can't find it though