The V-22 Osprey aircraft has had its problems. It has had a number of tragic accidents. Some of this is due to its large payload ability. It can carry more than any helicopter and, because of this, it can result in the deaths of many in just a short time.

About a week ago, another one went down an we lost more good men. Logically and properly they were grounded, at least long enough to find out what happened.

It would certainly be a bad thing to have to remove the vehicle from service permanently. It would leave a huge hole in our defense. It can go faster, further and with a bigger payload than all the vehicles it was designed to replace. That is to say, it has the potential to radically change the concept of vertical envelopments.

The range alone has real potential of changing things when you consider how far it can travel inland from a carrier. However, it can also get there so much faster. Then, of course, it can carry a whole lot more support equipment as well.

I hate to say it, but the Ospry might have to be abandoned. That is doubly bad. I can easily see an alternate mission in rescue and disaster relief, especially where roads and airports are not usable. Large amounts of supplies can be carrird in quickly. The injured can be flown out. In this case it is especially suitable because of traffic and rough roads.

It tells me that if they do drop the Ospry, they need to look into replacing it with somethin else. Moreover, keeping the fleet at the ready might not be a bad idea. The storms might be somewhat predictable but the only thing we really know for sure about earth quakes is that they will continue.

They just might be able to save far more lives wit the V22 than the deaths that they caused. On the other hand, if thay are needed at war, they just might come in handy. Moving all the guns and ammo in a timely manner just might save the loss of a major battle. Maybe a war.

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