Another fear for the enemy...

The flying beast came into the world of the dirt people. The Osprey (V-22). Although we weren’t use to seeing controlled flying objects, we welcomed its arrival. It brought me back to the early 2000s where I was at the command that conducted “exiting” research for the Osprey. Fast roping, rappelling and other “exiting” techniques had to be tested and with experimental apparatuses’ that fastened onto the aircraft. Yes, they are paying me to do this as well. The first step is the worst. Talk about power, this beast has it all. Sit down, shut up and hang on.   Coming to a bad guy neighborhood near you...if you live in Iraq!

Comments

[Miss Em]

Hello Major

I have on save to my DVR a show that the Military Channel played on the Osprey (v-22). I found that it was one of the most fasinating programs on flight that i had watched in a long time.

I am totaly envious of you {one of the dirt people} that you have gotten to be on the inside of one of these fantastic flying machines as it did it wonderous thing. LUCKY YOU!!!!

[donna, Los Osos, CA]

Got a new toy Major? Bad boys better not try to take it away. Better warn them..you don't play well with others!

Take care. Love you guys!

[RangersGirlDC]

The Osprey is one of the coolest aircraft. I've been facinated by this for years. I've only been inside one while it sat on the ground at an airshow. But have read on other's blogs about how fast they are. Most of the retired Marines I work with say they would never get in one. I read in the National Review that this is the only new military acquistion that is useful in today's conflict environment - - it flies higher and faster than the 46s, thus keeping it safe from small arms fire and shoulder fired missles.

I gotta think the wildest ride would be in the rear gunner's position.

[anon]

Inspiring story, Major. Please keep them coming between missions if you can.

[GunnNutt]

Beautiful beastie! I'm sure the bad guys wet their dresses when they see flying dirt people in one of those.

[David M]

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 06/18/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front lines.
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/06/from-front-06182008.html

[Aggie Dave]

I live near Dallas and have seen this creature flying around for several years. I've always wondered how it would do in the real world of dirt and unfriendly flying objects. Keep us updated. We get exactly squat from the media in Texas unless something bad happens.

[Leta]

So...ya gonna show the boys over there how to do all that roping, rappelling and fast rope stuff? Now THAT'S a video I'd pay big dollars for my friend! :)

Always great to "hear" from you. Sending you and your men lots of good thoughts and prayers.

[Gunny Taylor B]

HEY MAJOR! I GOT TO BE AROUND THESE WHEN I WAS AT CAMP LEJEUNE AND I SPENT A DAY AT NEW RIVER, I GOT TO FLY THE SIM AND THEY PULLED ONE OF THE FLIGHT LINE FOR ME. THEY ARE COOOOOL! I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD LET ME RAPEL OUT OF ONE THOUGH, DO YOU?
SEMPER FI

[liza]

I wonder how powerful this flying thing can do. But I think that I don't want to find out and see for myself either =)

Just take care guys =)

[Gunner45c]

Man cool toy but that thing scares the crap out of me...was a frog crew chief back in the day got out in 74 and if I recall they were first checking these things out in 73. Glad they finally got them in service

[Loleah]

Hey Major Pain Proud to finally see them make it there. I was lucky to meet some Marine Pilots when they were first being made and tested right here in Amarillo. They are so cool to see at night in the air. I guess Amarillo is a great place to test since we have nothing but dirt here. A friends son now Stationed at New River works on them. He was actually in a fire on ground several months ago(doing well).
Ps. Yall r doing a great job. God Bless All yall.