Title: The Cv-22 "Osprey" And The Impact On Air Force Combat Search And Rescue
Subject: An investigation of tiltrotor technology and the use of the CV-22 Osprey in the USAF to perform the combat search and rescue (CSAR).
Author(s): Tom P Currie Jr; Steven Purtle (Faculty Advisor)
DTIC Keywords: ACQUISITION, AIRLIFT OPERATIONS, HELICOPTERS, MARINE CORPS AIRCRAFT, MILITARY AIRCRAFT, ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT, SEARCH AND RESCUE, SHORT TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT, SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, TACTICAL AIRCRAFT, TILT ROTOR AIRCRAFT, VERTICAL TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT
Abstract: Tiltrotor technology successfully combines the best attributes of a helicopter with those of an airplane. These unique characteristics are resident in the first production, tiltrotor aircraft, the V-22. The "Osprey" will dramatically expand the capabilities of the US Military. The US Marine Corps in purchasing the MV-22 will greatly enhance its operational and tactical maneuver capabilities. With the CV-22, US Special Operations Command will add new and much needed capability to extract SOF personnel and American citizens from behind enemy lines. The CV-22 can also be useful to the Air Force in performing Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). This paper explores this area and answers the following question: How will theCV-22's unique qualities advance the state of the art of Air Force CSAR? Conducting the CSAR mission with the CV-22 will eradicate current mission deficiencies and enhance execution through advances in Combat Search and Rescue Task Force and command and control doctrine. In addition to evolving current doctrine to enhance CSAR, the CV-22 will lead to new CSAR capabilities and doctrine. Finally, the CV-22 will enhance two Air Force core competencies: global attack and rapid global mobility. I gathered information for this paper from many sources including Bell and Boeing Helicopters, SAF/AQQU, ACC/DR, HQ AFSOC, 418th Flight Test Squadron and recent studies. Additionally, my experiences and knowledge gained as a developmental test pilot on the V-22 program was a basis of much of the data.