Photo By Sgt. Ryan Carpenter | Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 unviels their first MV-22 "Osprey" Oct. 20 at...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 reached the next step in its transition from the CH-46 “Sea Knight” helicopter to the MV-22 tilt-rotor platform by unveiling their first Osprey Oct. 20.
The CH-46 is in the sundown program, a transition process that will phase out the Vietnam-era helicopter for the versatile MV-22 Osprey.
VMM-166 pilots and maintainers train here and at MCAS New River, N.C. for a period of four to six months in order to transition to the tilt-rotor platform. Transitioning Marines take classes that range from familiarization of the aircraft to the intricacies of the Osprey’s advanced computerized avionics, which use electrical signals instead of cables to relay how the pilot wants to control the aircraft.
“Avionics are a lot bigger on the MV-22, everything on the aircraft touches them in some way, shape or form,” said Chief Warrant Officer Matt Migliori.
Currently, five pilots and three crew chiefs have mastered these intricacies, and have returned to their squadron. The Sea Elks will also continue to receive basically trained Marines directly from tilt-rotor schools.
“It’s an exciting time to be associated with the MV-22 on the West Coast,” said Maj. Justin Marvel, aircraft maintenance officer for VMM-166. “[The Osprey] is a brand new aircraft that is optimized for this part of the country.”
The MV-22’s two tilt-rotor propellers provide the vertical and short takeoff capability of a helicopter without sacrificing speed or range. The Osprey can also carry twice the amount of troops and cargo compared to the CH-46.
Both the CH-46 and the Osprey are great aircraft, but the Osprey can go farther and climb higher, explained Capt. Erik Buford, an MV-22 pilot with VMM-166.
According to Marvel, VMM-166 will be at final operating capability by fall of next year. Until then, the squadron will continue to receive aircraft and sharpen their skills in preparation for the next step of the transition process.
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.20.2010 21:01 |
| Story ID: | 58521 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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