The capabilities of the Osprey were demonstrated in May 2006 for journalists covering an exercise of U.S. special forces, at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa FL, headquarters of USSOCOM. The aircraft was able to quickly transform itself from a helicopter, after taking off without any need for a runway, into a high-speed turboprop airplane that can fly low and thereby evade radar detection. The Osprey’s unique features, which enable it to land on any terrain, provide it with the capacity for rescuing fighter pilots who were forced to abandon their aircraft and to evacuate wounded military personnel participating in operations deep inside enemy territory. Given the logistical infrastructure needed for the establishment of a squadron and for the training of air and ground crews, the entire V-22 Osprey deal could reach close to $500 million from the U.S. military aid package to Israel. The exclusive sale of V-22 Ospreys to Israel was finalized in April, in a meeting between Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and Hagel.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:21:21 +0000
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