In preparation for replacement of aging C-2 Greyhound supply aircraft aboard the Navy’s carriers, the crew aboard the USS Carl Vinson is testing a Marine V-22 Osprey.
The tilt-rotor craft performed a series of landings and takeoffs aboard the San Diego-based carrier on Sunday.
“These operations present an opportunity for our flight crews to gain experience landing on an aircraft carrier as opposed to landing on an amphibious ship,” said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brett Hart.
The operation proved to be a valuable training opportunity for Vinson sailors on the flight deck. The Osprey’s engines generate more “downwash” than the largest helicopters.
“As we phase out the C-2s and start implementing the V-22s during this evaluation phase, this is the first time our Sailors have had a chance to directly deal with a new aircraft,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Trell Matthias. “Aside from the increased prop exhaust, I thought it was almost the same as landing a helicopter.”
The Osprey can take off and land like a helicopter, then tilt its wings to fly at the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. It offers the versatility and flexibility to land places that have neither runways or arresting wires.
“We now have the option of taking cargo and personnel to some of the smaller decks without first having to come to the aircraft carrier,” said Hart. “With that considered, the carrier can expect to have potentially more flight deck and air space freed up, allowing it to launch more sorties in support of combat operations.”
