The U.S. military's V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft won't be back in full swing until mid-2025, according to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This news comes after a deadly crash in November 2023 grounded the entire fleet for several months. While Ospreys have returned to limited operations, they're currently restricted to flying within 30 minutes of an airfield, significantly hindering their capabilities.
NAVAIR cites safety concerns as the primary reason for the extended limitations. Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the commander of NAVAIR, emphasized a commitment to thorough assessments before allowing unrestricted flights. These assessments include engineering tests and analyses to ensure all potential safety issues are addressed.
The delay is linked in part to an ongoing investigation into a persistent clutch failure, believed to be a contributing factor in the November crash. A complete clutch redesign is underway, but this process is expected to take more than a year. This wait has frustrated lawmakers concerned about the impact on military operations.
During a recent congressional hearing, Chebi assured them that safety would not be compromised for expediency. He reiterated that unrestricted operations will only resume when NAVAIR is confident all safety concerns are mitigated. The limitations affect Osprey fleets across the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The extended wait will likely strain military capabilities as the V-22 is a versatile aircraft crucial for transporting troops and equipment.