The Bell-Boeing MV-22B started a crucial three-month operational evaluation (Opeval) at the end of March. US Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron, VMX-22, will measure the aircraft's performance both in operational scenarios and – perhaps most critically – in the maintenance hangar.
Securing passing grades as an operationally effective and operationally suitable aircraft could be necessary for the V-22 team to meet two deadlines later this year for a full-rate production decision and initial operational capability. Entering Opeval means the programme has come full circle since two fatal crashes in 2000 forced a major restructuring.
Programme officials believe a two-year-old series of flight tests has resolved doubts about the aircraft's aerodynamic integrity, but numerous manufacturing glitches have dogged the production V-22.
Source: Flight International
