Being stationed here at New River has given me the chance to see first hand (and deal with) the future of Marine Helicopter Aviation.  These aircraft are quite beautiful, and to watch them fly is amazing.

The quality might not be the greatest to meet the posting regs...I'm working on editing and uploading much better copies elsewhere, along with all the other photos I have taken from down here.

One thing I like about working at Ops...at night, it's my airfield and I get plenty of chances to take some nice pictures.

The 22 set up on static in front of the old tower for the airshow


Profile view. This aircraft belongs to VMX-22, the test and evaluation squadron. They currently have around 22 Osprey's now, with a delivery rate of about 2 a month.


Flight of two from the Airshow


With the acft in the upright position, flying like a helo.


The brand new all Glass Cockpit as well as the flight controls


Looking from the troop gate towards the front of the aircraft.


Looking out the troop gate.

You need to see this thing fly to truely appreciate it...

They'll do a high speed approach to RWY 23 over Jacksonville, than rotate into the Rotary mode, than bring it right on in for a smooth landing.

The few grunts who have Osprey time love it, have nothing but good things to say. Nice thing is, the 22 is going to keep New River off the chop block for a long time to come.

Very nice photos RHeite. I've seen them fly and Flight Sim dosen't do it justice.

This plane is one new US development I find far more interesting than the F-22.

Looks great and lovely shots. I look forwards to seeing it at future air shows, if the US gets more confident about bringing aircaft to the UK again.


Pete

Is that the collective in the far bottom left of pic 5? next to the throttle and parking brake

Very interesting but I have to agree with Charlie.
Quote:

At least it seems they finally fixed the problems it's been plagued with but it's taken 15 years to get this far since the first flight. It looks even more vulnerable to attack than a conventional helicopter. Not sure what advantage this over-complex design has over the Fairey Rotodyne concept that was successfully flown back in 1958. I saw it demonstrated at the Farnborough Air Show & it looked very impressive. http://www.pilotfriend.com/photo_albums/helicopters/Fairey%20Rotodyne.htm
The idea was subsequently rejected by the military & the airlines & the project was abandoned in 1962.

The Throttle looking device doubles as the collective when the rotors are in the up position.

As to failures...there are redundancies in place.  I'm not exactly sure as to the specifics. I have only glanced over the NATOPS, I'm still trying to get my hands on one.