NAVAIR Clears V-22 Osprey for Return to Flight
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has cleared the tiltrotor V-22 Osprey to return to flight.
The aircraft have been grounded since Dec. 6, 2023. That followed the crash of an Air Force V-22 Osprey off the coast of Japan that killed eight airmen on Nov. 29, 2023. That incident was preceded by another involving an Osprey crash in Australia that killed three Marines.
"This decision follows a meticulous and data-driven approach prioritizing the safety of our aircrews," a Navy official said.
Lifting the grounding means the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force can return the aircraft to service.
The Navy grounded the aircraft when Air Force officials investigating the Japan crash found "a materiel failure of a V-22 component." Officials used the time to do a thorough review of the mishap and test risk-mitigation controls. Investigations into what caused the Australia and Japan incidents are still ongoing.
All of the services worked together to ensure the aircraft is safe, officials said during a call with reporters. They would not identify the component that failed, but they said the processes they put in place will allow a safe return to flight.
The services all have different processes in returning the aircraft to the skies. "Maintenance and procedural changes have been implemented to address the materiel failure that allow for a safe return to flight," the Naval Air Systems Command official said.
Top Stories
INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping
Boeing to End 767 Production, Reduce Workforce Amid Ongoing Union Strike
INSIDERMechanical & Fluid Systems
Army Receives New Robot Combat Vehicle Prototypes
INSIDERDesign
Are Boeing 737 Rudder Control Systems at Risk of Malfunctioning?
INSIDERMechanical & Fluid Systems
Army Evaluates 3D Printing for Bradley Fighting Vehicle's Transmission Mount
INSIDERAerospace
Army Seeks to Expand 3D Printing to the Tactical Edge
ArticlesRegulations/Standards
Cummins New X15 Engine Meets Upcoming Regs While Boosting Efficiency
Webcasts
Defense
Maximize Asset Availability in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
Aerospace
The Inside Story on Space Grade Silicones
Transportation
The Rise of Software-Defined Commercial Vehicles
Test & Measurement
Avoiding Risk Analysis Pitfalls: Implementing Linked DFMEA, HARA,...
Automotive
A Quick Guide to Multi-Axis Simulation and Component Testing
Aerospace
Best Practices for Developing Safe and Secure Modular Software