Maligned aircraft finds redemption in Iraq, military says (CNN) {V-22 Osprey}

From Mike Mount
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Once derided as a white elephant, the U.S. Marine Corps' tilt-rotor aircraft, the V-22 Osprey, is proving its mettle in Iraq, military officials said.

The Osprey, which takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies like a plane, was designed to replace the Corps' aging and less-capable helicopter fleet.

But a series of accidents involving the planes left 30 people dead from 1991 to 2000, and critics said the Osprey never would be able to replace the Vietnam-era CH-46 Sea Knight, which was the Corps' airlift workhorse.

The military, which has ordered 360 of the aircraft, said the 10 deployed to Iraq are doing what they are supposed to do -- carrying troops faster, farther and safer than the copters can.
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Commanders in Iraq have allowed little media coverage of the V-22s since their arrival, wanting to get crews used to their mission and to keep insurgents from targeting the planes for propaganda purposes. The planes have not come under direct fire, officials said.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/02/08/osprey/index.html

Emphasis added.

I tend to read this the way I would a TASS bulletin -- probably based on truth, but not necessarily the whole truth. I just hope these things don't add to the already unnecessary casualties.

(gasp) PROPAGANDA!

....when the US finally spars with a worthy opponent (like one with AA capabilities).