The Thirty-Year Success Story Of The V-22 Osprey Must Continue (From RealClearDefense)

It has been three decades since the V-22 Osprey first flew. Over that time, the V-22 has confounded its critics and more than proven itself in operations from Southwest Asia to the Western Pacific. Originally designed and built for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Osprey proved so versatile that it now is in service with Air Force Special Operations Command, the U.S. Navy, and foreign militaries. Its abilities to fly like an airplane and land like a helicopter are particularly well-suited to an era of distributed operations. As the acquisition program reaches the end of its third multiyear procurement, the defense department needs to act to maintain production of this versatile aircraft. A new multiyear procurement makes sense to keep the production line going, at least until programs such as the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft prove themselves. I have written more on the V-22 here.