Osprey drags the basket

[nhboy]

Link to original article.

"The folks over at team Osprey are working on proving more roles for the V-22 and tanker is one of them. They are testing the new hose and drogue system for the Osprey that can deploy up to about 240kts. The Osprey does not have cavernous fuel reserves, so at the very most the aircraft can pump off 12,000lbs of fuel, roughly a little less than the internal fuel load of an F/A-18F. Where the “KV-22″ configuration of the V-22 may shine the most is in the refueling of helicopters and for export customers who lack, or have high demand for, tactical refueling capability as a whole.

Lately it seems like most military aircraft manufacturers are trying to squeeze a little more value out of their current designs, and this my friends is a good byproduct of sequestration…

 

[Caution]

Link to original article.

"The folks over at team Osprey are working on proving more roles for the V-22 and tanker is one of them. They are testing the new hose and drogue system for the Osprey that can deploy up to about 240kts. The Osprey does not have cavernous fuel reserves, so at the very most the aircraft can pump off 12,000lbs of fuel, roughly a little less than the internal fuel load of an F/A-18F. Where the “KV-22″ configuration of the V-22 may shine the most is in the refueling of helicopters and for export customers who lack, or have high demand for, tactical refueling capability as a whole.

Lately it seems like most military aircraft manufacturers are trying to squeeze a little more value out of their current designs, and this my friends is a good byproduct of sequestration…

When I worked with the program we had two palletized fuel tanks we could load onto the cargo handling system. I forgot the capacity but wanna say they were approximately 4 ft sq cubes. We had 2 on site we tested. Not sure how many of these could fit in the back of the bird.

 

[flomaster]

When I worked with the program we had two palletized fuel tanks we could load onto the cargo handling system. I forgot the capacity but wanna say they were approximately 4 ft sq cubes. We had 2 on site we tested. Not sure how many of these could fit in the back of the bird.

I did some time on the program. I remember those tanks (Robertson I believe). Think it could be helpful in fueling Attack helicopters. Maybe going without a full bag (original fuel system load for MV vice CV extended range the Corps adopted) and increasing deliverable fuel might add some advantages.

Found an old spec that called out 3 tanks at 430 Gallons a piece giving you 8600 pounds of internal fuel.

 

[Caution]

I did some time on the program. I remember those tanks (Robertson I believe). Think it could be helpful in fueling Attack helicopters. Maybe going without a full bag (original fuel system load for MV vice CV extended range the Corps adopted) and increasing deliverable fuel might add some advantages.

Found an old spec that called out 3 tanks at 430 Gallons a piece giving you 8600 pounds of internal fuel.

We did fit tests on the tanks a few times but don't remember using them. I think we were doing the initial tests with them to use for FARP missions. At that point in the program we were not even thinking about aerial refueling but I knew it was going to happen later.

 

[flomaster]

We did fit tests on the tanks a few times but don't remember using them. I think we were doing the initial tests with them to use for FARP missions. At that point in the program we were not even thinking about aerial refueling but I knew it was going to happen later.

Yes I remember the fit tests but don't recall flying the tanks. I was an FSR by then. I left the program in 2008. Joined it in 97. Hardest work I ever did but thrilled to see how far they have come.

 

[Caution]

Yes I remember the fit tests but don't recall flying the tanks. I was an FSR by then. I left the program in 2008. Joined it in 97. Hardest work I ever did but thrilled to see how far they have come.

Yep I was there when you got there and still there when you left. You were my lead there when we worked for JC.

 

[calvcopf]

Should you all really be spilling your guts about the details of military equipment online?
Doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

 

[Bavarian]

I worked at the Wilmington Detachment in early '80s. Covered A/C 4 for the Navy as an Engineer. We lost four good men on that A/C. Glad to see that now the V-22 is a success. I pray for the crew often.

 

[flomaster]

Should you all really be spilling your guts about the details of military equipment online?
Doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

Nothing spilled. Most everything about the Osprey is available online for all to view. But I do appreciate you looking out for that kind of thing as I have read a few things on here over the years that gave me pause to say WTF!