Caption for photo:

On April 29, Osprey No. 24 returned to NAS Patuxent River following its second six-month season of icing tests around Halifax, Nova Scotia. Pilots for the transit were Maj. Frank Conway, USMC, and Maj. Steve Augustine, USMC. Flight test engineer Jason Patterson performed crew chief duties.

During this period the V-22 Integrated Test Team explored what effect degraded systems modes had on the airplane’s ability to shed ice. The main two test points focused on the loss of a variable-frequency generator, which forces alternate instead of simultaneous de-icing of the prop-rotors, and the loss of the prop-rotor parting strip – the device that continuously prevents ice from forming on the leading edge of the prop-rotor. Test results were satisfactory and after a comprehensive data analysis and PEO/OPTEVFOR review, the program expects to issue the Osprey's initial icing flight clearance.

Visible in the picture is the orange windshield wiper fairing, a modification made during the test period that prevents ice from accumulating on the wiper blades during extended flight through icing conditions. (Photo by Randy Teufel)