Years of Unfixed V-22 Osprey Risks Revealed in Navy Probe

A new Navy investigation has uncovered critical safety failures. The report states systemic issues with the V-22 Osprey aircraft were allowed to grow for nearly two decades. These unresolved problems contributed to a series of fatal crashes.

According to Reuters, the internal review was commissioned in 2023. It found the office managing the Osprey did not promptly implement known fixes. This allowed serious risks to accumulate over many years.

Legacy Problems and a Troubled Safety Record

The Osprey is a unique tiltrotor aircraft. It takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies like a plane. This complex design has led to persistent challenges.

The Navy report is stark. It says the Osprey holds the second-highest number of catastrophic risks in naval aviation. These risks remained unresolved for over ten years on average. For other aircraft, the average is six years.

This neglect had tragic consequences. A known transmission issue, present since 2006, caused a 2023 crash in Japan. Eight Air Force crew members died. The program office did not formally assess this risk until March 2024.

A Long Road to Fixes and Systemic Overhaul

The investigation places blame on the Osprey’s Joint Program Office. This office manages the aircraft for the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. It failed to address risks in a timely manner.

Fixes for the major mechanical flaws are now planned. However, full implementation will take years. One critical transmission fix is not scheduled until 2033. Another is slated for 2034.

The report recommends a complete overhaul. It calls for uniform maintenance standards across all services. It also suggests a new midlife upgrade program for the entire Osprey fleet. The goal is to finally address these legacy issues.

The findings confirm that known V-22 Osprey risks were systematically ignored. Service members will continue flying an aircraft with unmitigated dangers for years to come.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the main safety finding of the Navy report?

The report found the office managing the V-22 Osprey failed to fix known dangers for years. This allowed serious risks to accumulate, leading to preventable accidents.

How many service members have died in recent Osprey crashes?

Twenty service members have died in Osprey accidents over the past four years. This includes eight killed in a November 2023 crash off Japan.

What are the specific mechanical problems cited?

The report highlights two major transmission flaws. One causes an internal power imbalance. The other involves brittle gears from a manufacturing defect dating to 2006.

When will the Osprey be fully fixed?

Solutions for the key transmission problems are not scheduled until 2033 and 2034. This means current aircraft will fly with known risks for nearly a decade more.

Who is responsible for managing Osprey safety?

Primary responsibility lies with the Osprey Joint Program Office. This office operates under Naval Air Systems Command and serves the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.