The Ghost In The Machine wrote:

In talk.abortion, George M Middius

wrote
on Sun, 21 Dec 2003 16:22:02 -0500
:


The Ghost In The Machine said:

Eenie, meenie, mienie, mo...who's gored ox has got to go?

The Osprey should go.


Well I for one wouldn't miss him.

Or are you referring to the V-22 aircraft? :-) I'll admit I am
wondering why we need such an aircraft since we already have
the Harrier, which is of British make but in a pinch we could
probably license the design...?

Color me slightly puzzled.

The V-22 (or similar) is necessary to replace both
the large cargo MC-130 aircraft and the smaller,
short-range MH-60 helicopters now used for Special
Operations.

It thus combines long range, vertical take-off/landing,
high troop and equipment-carrying capacity, and better
electronic defenses.

The Marines want it as their primary assault craft.
It is well suited to both of these duties.