Metal malfunction is the latest safety issue found in helicopter-airplane hybrid
The Pentagon grounded V-22 Ospreys this week after discovering weakened metal components were the likely cause of a near-crash at Cannon Air Force Base on November 20. The pause was recommended last week “out of an abundance of caution” by Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the head of Naval Air Systems Command, which runs the Osprey program for the military. The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force are all adhering to the recommended pause.
V-22 Ospreys can be flown as either an airplane or a helicopter, and this unique dual-use is why the Pentagon bought a fleet of them 30 years ago. However, issues with the aircraft have escalated as parts wear out faster than expected, prompting the Pentagon to ground them multiple times over the last five years.
Legislators had written Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to request the Osprey fleet be grounded until investigators can adequately address these design issues.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin and military leaders as they oversee the effort to address the Osprey’s problems.
- For members of Congress to be discerning in their requests and recommendations to federal agency heads.
Sources: AP News, NY Post
