By Gidge Dady
NAVAIR V-22 Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --The Honorable James G. Roche, secretary of the Air Force, visited April 26 the V-22 Integrated Test Team facility here for a close-up look at the Osprey that will soon fly again after being grounded for 17 months following the tragic Dec. 11, 2000 mishap. Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) aircraft #10, which now has engineering improvements to its hydraulic and software systems, will be the first test bird used in the return to flight in May here.

The Air Force chief learned more about these improvements from Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Lysaght, a CV-22 flightline production superintendent, 18th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base, and Marine SSgt. Jackie F.White, V-22 Integrated Test Team maintainer, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, who got a unique opportunity to spend over an hour with Roche as he climbed in and around the aircraft to see these improvements first hand. In a candid discussion with Lysaght and White, Roche learned more about their role in helping make these changes and their involvement in the modifications, maintenance and safety efforts to ensure that EMD aircraft #10 is ready to resume developmental flight testing. In addition, Lysagt also had an opportunity to explain the equipment differences between the Marine variant and the Air Force variant and where CV-22 special operations equipment, such as the multi-mode radar and forward looking infrared radar will be installed.

During their hands on briefing to Roche, White pointed out how avionics wires were rerouted within the nacelle to correct chaffing conditions with the hydraulic lines. White and fellow sergeants Josh Boaz and Rob Dawson demonstrated how the placement of clamps has “effectively” minimized any contact with hydraulic lines and how the new routing along the frame station greatly reduces the " cluttered look " of the nacelles as well as the entire wing cove and midwing area.

“Being afforded the opportunity to speak with someone as influential as Dr. Roche about some of the major degraders facing the Osprey program today is something I consider an honor and a privilege. I care a lot about this program, as does everyone here at the Integrated Test Team, and it was nice to see such a sincere interest coming from someone who can make real changes in the V-22 community,” said White.

Earlier in the day, Roche visited the V-22 Joint Program Office to get update briefings from Col Dan Schultz, V-22 program manager, and other program officials concerning the return to flight,

CV-22 operational capabilities and user expectations, and acquisition plans to purchase the variant that will be used by the Air Force Special Operations Command.

After his briefings and tour of the V-22 hangar, Roche said he was “extremely pleased” with his visit and has a “high comfort zone” regarding where the V-22 program is now going.

The Air Force plans to return to flight this summer at Edwards Air Force Base with two EMD CV-22 aircraft, also modified with hydraulic and software systems improvements. When these aircraft resume flying, the focus will be continued testing of CV-22 special operations equipment. The Air Force plans to buy 50 CV-22 aircraft.

Photo caption:
Air Force Tech. Sgt John Lysaght, a CV-22 flightline production superintendent, (leaning on aircraft) gives The Honorable James G. Roche, secretary of the Air Force, (middle) a close look at new hydraulic line clearances made in the wing cove area of the MV-22. Sgt Rob Dawson (foreground) and SSgt Jackie White, MV-22 Integrated Test Team maintainers, assist with this "hands on" brief.
Photo by Air Force Maj. Randy Teufel.