V-22s testing higher takeoff weights

The US Navy has begun testing rolling takeoffs and landings with the V-22 Osprey to increase operating weights. Currently the Osprey is capable of taking off vertically at 52,600 pounds. It currently has a maximum rolling takeoff weight of 57,000 pounds. Under the testing, they performed 14 takeoffs at the maximum gross weight of 60,500 pounds.

They also unveiled the Improved Inlet System to prevent ingestion of material into the engine. It was developed for the Air Force however, and there are currently no plans for the Navy/Marine aircraft to install it. The next milestone for IIS testing is summer 2016.

DUBAI – Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has been working to widen the V-22 Osprey’s flight envelope by testing rolling landing and takeoffs, which could pave the way for higher takeoff weights.
Speaking at the Dubai Airshow on Nov. 10, Col. Dan Robinson, V-22 program manager, said the tests would be applicable to the Osprey’s use as the Navy’s future carrier/vertical onboard delivery (COD/VOD) platform as well as amphibious assault ships.

The tests were carried out on one of the Navy’s aircraft carriers in October, and saw the Osprey perform 69 minimum roll-on landings using the angled deck for the landing and takeoff runs. Crews also performed 14 takeoffs at the MV-22’s maximum gross weight of 60,500 lb., some 3,500 lb. over the Osprey’s current maximum rolling takeoff weight of 57,000 lb. The current maximum vertical takeoff weight is 52,600 lb. The aim is to make Osprey’s maximum gross weight also the rolling maximum takeoff weight, industry officials told Aviation Week.

aviationweek.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

Is this so the Mississippi ANG can operate them?

Sorry, sometimes I have to crack myself up.

a reply to: Zaphod58 i would like to see a vid of the rolling v22 takeoff, but the aviationweek requires your email..

a reply to: darkstar57

This was at an airshow last year.

a reply to: [post=20022787]Zaphod58[/post
thanks, i should have posted my guess, 45 degrees... likely 35. when the 22 first came out, the big problem was instability in going from vertical to horizontal engine axis in air...

a reply to: darkstar57

It gives them a lot more flexibility for the COD/VCOD mission. It was stupid to give it to them, but at least now they'll be semi useful at it.

Vertical take-off totally rocks. This one has a smooth design look to it.