Osprey Sitting on the Ramp

They are interesting to see fly.... I would like to go for a ride on one but probably wouldn't want to be regular crew.

 

My office window was right on the flight path after they took off from Kirtland AFB/Albuquerque International annd passed by at 1000-2000'. They were usually still climbing with the wings rotated about half forward when they went over. Very interesting and they sound like a cross between an airplane and a helicopter, too, not just look like one. Impressive performance, though, nearly as fast at cruise as a C-130H and nearly as much range.

Wonder who will be the first to try and land one with the wings stuck somewhere in between forward and vertical? That will be a show. Not sure what airspeed she stalls at, but it will go down pretty fast as the props shorten.

Must get a lot of lift from the props blowing over the wing, just like WW-I aircraft. They cannot use them for SAR missions because the prop blast is way too heavy for picking anybody out of the water. Would drown the rescuee and the PJ.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

It looks just plain scary. I can't imagine being a test pilot for it (especially after the first one went down).

 

There were some very close calls with the Osprey which could have very easily led to additional crashes. My guess is that it's only by luck that they program survived.

I assume they carry parachutes? My guess is that it's like ditching a C-130 at sea.... much better chance of survival to bail out than ride it in. A guy in my office flew on them and I'm gonna ask him next week.

 

scary machines !!!