Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey

Can anyone tell me the status of the Osprey program?

Aren’t the EMD aircraft back in the air?

What all models are planned and what users want/need them?

All I know of is the MV-22 for the Marines and the CV-22 for the Air Force?

What all weapons will they be armed with? (I know the Osprey isn’t for attack, I’m just referring to door guns and such.) The usual .50 cal., M60’s, and GAU-2 miniguns?

Also, what’s the general opinion of this aircraft. I get the feeling it’s divided, but I personally think it’s a fascinating aircraft and a technological marvel. Not that tilt-rotor is all that new, but it’s still a neat concept.

Also, I read in the latest issue of Combat Aircraft (I can’t get AFM anymore so I have to buy CA to keep up to date.), there was an article about UAV’s, and it said the Coast Guard is buying some RQ-4 Global Hawks and some smaller UAV’s that are of the tilt-rotor design. (The article was very good by the way. Anyone who thinks UAV’s are neat sould check it out.)

Also, aside from the obvious speed and range advantages how does the Osprey compare to the largest U.S. helicopter, the CH-53 Super Stallion? I was reading specifications for them both, and it appears the CH-53 has a larger payload by far.

What gives?