CV-22 reaches 2,000 hours of flight

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  A CV-22 Osprey from the 71st Special Operations Squadron reached 2,000 flying hours Oct. 15.

The Osprey, tail number A0024, is the first CV-22 in the Air Force to exceed the 2,000 flying-hour mark.

"As a first-generation multirole weapon system, the 2,000-hour mark demonstrates the operational triumphs of this unique airframe," said Staff Sgt. Cameron Settle, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "It has enabled the Air Force to see the concept in action, in order to evaluate the importance of the role this weapon system provides for our military."

Settle, a nine-year maintenance veteran, has been working on Ospreys for more than two years and is the dedicated crew chief for A0024.

"I believe the CV-22, despite its intensive maintenance requirements, is an outstanding aircraft," said Settle. "As with all first-generation aircraft, there are numerous modifications that need to be made, but the Osprey is an aviation platform that provides the Air Force with range and speed capabilities unmatched by the typical rotor-wing aircraft it is replacing."

The Osprey is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensors and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments.

"As a 2002 model airframe, this achievement demonstrates to the aviation community just how dedicated the 58th Maintenance Group is to developing and using modern weapon systems," said Settle. "Within the 58th Special Operations Wing, this aircraft has been used extensively to train mission-ready aircrews for real-world response in a multitude of scenarios. That additional set of challenges further proves the resolve and dedication of the 58 MXG."

The 71 SOS has been training CV-22 aircrews since 2006. The Osprey conducts long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.