The independent panel of experts brought in to review the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor programme is expected to complete its examination of the troubled project and make recommendations to US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld next month. Meanwhile, Gen James Jones, the US Marine Corps commandant, is denying that the USMC is considering alternatives to the Osprey.
The four panel members, including retired USMC Gen John Dailey and former Lockheed Martin chairman Norman Augustine, were selected to consider the $40 billion programme in the wake of fatal crashes in April and December last year.
The MV-22 Osprey production decision has been delayed pending the outcome of several ongoing investigations, including the independent probe. At stake is USMC procurement of 360 MV-22Bs and US Air Force purchase of 50 special operations CV-22As.
Fact-finding visits were conducted last week to facilities associated with the project including the USMCV-22 training unit, US Special Operations Command headquarters, the Amarillo, Texas, final assembly plant as well as Bell and Boeing engineering and production centres. An open meeting on 9 March gathered information from the public.
Jones stands behind the V-22, stating that the Osprey remains the USMC's aircraft of choice. "There has been no watershed event that has prompted me to ask for a search of options or a study of alternatives to the Osprey. Nor do I have any information that would lead me to believe that this important programme is in peril," he adds.
Meanwhile, the DoD's Office of Inspector General has widened its separate V-22 probe. Investigators have taken data from computers of two USMCgenerals to see if they aided alleged falsification of Osprey maintenance records. The training squadron commanding officer was relieved of his duties pending the investigation's conclusion.
Source: Flight International
