Interested in V-22 as Navy VOD solution

[VH22pilotwannab]

Ive got a question. I'm applying to NROTC scholarships and I'm looking at what I want to do in the Navy. I have a toss up between Intel Officer and Naval Aviator. I have always wanted to be a pilot. Anyway, I'll get to my point. My questions are: How hard is it to be selected for the HV-22? Where are the HV-22 Squadrons based out of? Are there and V-22 pilots here who can give me some suggestions and advice?

 

[MIDNJAC]

I can't answer your question, but to clarify for everyone else, are you going to be a Navy option mid?

 

[HeyJoe]

The original plan for V-22 procurement inluded 48 HV-22 variants for VOD mission, but there is currently no funding through FY13 programmed for a Navy variant. Today and for the forseeable future, there is a MV-22 Osprey flown by the Marine Corps and a CV-22 variant flown by USAF SPECOPS. Recommend you reconsider your username and service selection if you want to fly the V-22. Here is latest CRS report on V-22 in which you'll see that the QDR recommended profile comprises 360 MV-22s, 50 CV-22s; and 48 HV-22s. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see which variant will be most numerous and thereby represent your best chance to fly the Osprey.

 

[phrogdriver]

Love the enthusiasm, but you'll need to update your info. Only the Marines and Air Force are going to have V-22s in the near future. As a high school senior, by the time you have to worry about it, the V-22 will be a mainstay platform in the Marines. IF you make it through all the other wickets of the Corps and flight school and make it to platform selection, you'll probably have a decent chance. Proportionally, the CV-22 will be a much smaller part of the USAF, so your chances would be smaller there.

Advice? Apply for Marine-Option NROTC. While you're there, get an air contract. Do your best in all the training the military gives you, and you'll have a fighting shot of getting what you want.

 

[Flathatter13]

V-22 Pilot

My advise would be to pursue this aircraft in the Marines, as stated the use in the Air Force is specifically going to be limited to the AFSOC community, and while we in that community love them for what they can provide, due to the slow production rates of them so far it is fairly senior pilots that are getting them in our community. My understanding is for widestream use your best bet is going to be in the Marines. As they are going to be used to replace a large group of aircraft and in AFSOC we are only using it to compliment current systems we have. To get to the Osprey in the AF you are going to have to go through the normal selection process then additionally get accepted to AFSOC from there.


Just my .02 cents from someone who is currently playing with your preferred "toy"

 

[bunk22]

I still believe that the futur COD replacement will be the 48 V-22's the Navy bought or was going to buy. It has been mentioned over and over. A C-2B or V-22.........well, one already has an assembly line.

 

[Stearmann4]

I have a toss up between Intel Officer and Naval Aviator. I have always wanted to be a pilot.

I'd say it'll be extra tough as an intel officer...

 

[phrogdriver]

I still believe that the futur COD replacement will be the 48 V-22's the Navy bought or was going to buy. It has been mentioned over and over. A C-2B or V-22.........well, one already has an assembly line.

They never bought 48, unless you count the "blue" dollars that buy aircraft for the Marines.

Isn't there a new E-2? The one with the 8-blade prop? Wouldn't they just not put on a radome and call it a C-2? The V-22 might be great, but that would seem to be a ready made, economical solution.

 

[bunk22]

They never bought 48, unless you count the "blue" dollars that buy aircraft for the Marines.

Isn't there a new E-2? The one with the 8-blade prop? Wouldn't they just not put on a radome and call it a C-2? The V-22 might be great, but that would seem to be a ready made, economical solution.

Well, like I said, was going to buy or planning to buy, whatever. My point was through the yearly discussions of replacements for the COD, the V-22 is at the top of the list. The COD is getting the 8 bladed prop but that doesn't necessarily make the airframe last longer, increase the number of landings allowed on said airframe. It's also getting a glasss cockpit........all polishing a turd. COD's are being SLEP'ed as well but that delays retirement until 2018 or so. Grumman has said it would take 4 years to make the first C-2B. How long to make a V-22? The most likely scenario is the Navy will do nothing, let the COD fly until the end and then, make some rash, knee jerk decision. Now, if we hung bomb racks on the COD, not to drop bombs but give the impression that it could, the money would come flowing in I'm sure. Not my problem anyway, I'm a former COD guy, never to fly them again.

 

[propwash]

It occurs to me that no one has simply told this young NROTC applicant the bottom line:

There's no contest; fly something. who cares if it is Ospreys, Hornets, Hueys.... who cares. "Lets see.... Intel guy or Naval Aviator, which should I be....", there is not choice.

Even simpler...

Fly things, even if you deliver the mail: carnivore

Sit in dark rooms looking at computers and picturs to speculate where the meat eaters should go fly and drop bombs: herbivore...

 

[HeyJoe]

Well, like I said, was going to buy or planning to buy, whatever. My point was through the yearly discussions of replacements for the COD, the V-22 is at the top of the list. The COD is getting the 8 bladed prop but that doesn't necessarily make the airframe last longer, increase the number of landings allowed on said airframe. It's also getting a glasss cockpit........all polishing a turd. COD's are being SLEP'ed as well but that delays retirement until 2018 or so. Grumman has said it would take 4 years to make the first C-2B. How long to make a V-22? The most likely scenario is the Navy will do nothing, let the COD fly until the end and then, make some rash, knee jerk decision. Now, if we hung bomb racks on the COD, not to drop bombs but give the impression that it could, the money would come flowing in I'm sure. Not my problem anyway, I'm a former COD guy, never to fly them again.

THe vibrant C-2 COD discussion has been moved to its own thread and this thread pruned to allow OP to see answers to his question and allow the threadjack to flourish in its own thread