Security

Congressman: Stop Building Ospreys

A powerful Congressman has called on the Marines to stop production on their controversial tiltrotor craft, the V-22 Osprey. The Marine Corps’ leadership say they’re thrilled with how the Osprey has performed in Iraq — the aircraft’s first deployment, after nearly three decades in development. But critics say the aircraft still has a whole host […]

A powerful Congressman has called on the Marines to stop production on their controversial tiltrotor craft, the V-22 Osprey.

The Marine Corps' leadership say they're thrilled with how the Osprey has performed in Iraq -- the aircraft's first deployment, after nearly three decades in development. But critics say the aircraft still has a whole host of performance and safety issues; only about half of the fleet of 90 Ospreys are actually combat deployable. The cost per flight hour is over $11,000 -- more than double the target estimate, according to a new Government Accountability Office report, presented at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Overall, the program has cost over $25 billion in research, development, production, and maintenance.

"Not only has the Osprey failed to live up to its initial billing, it has failed expensively," declared committee chairman Ed Towns. "It’s time to put the Osprey out of its misery."

Obviously, the Marine Corps disagree. And it's not immediately clear what, if anything, Rep. Towns can do to stop the Marines They're already halfway through production. The assembly line is efficient. Prices (while high) are stable. And they are working to fix some of the most egregious problems with the aircraft.

The DEW Line and POGO both live-Tweeted the often-fiery, often-hilarious hearing on the Osprey. Both are must-reads. But the DEW Line's final update is particularly great. "V-22 hearing ends. USMC colonel says into live mike: 'This has been a waste of time.' Gen Trautman says quickly: 'Calm down!'"

[Photo: USAF]

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