Osprey at cruising speed goes 250 knots. The Ch-46E (current one) goes around 150. No helicopter is silent, I've heard black hawks, CH-53s, CH-46s, they're all extremely loud. So its not that much of a surprise to me. I've seen some future concept art, of where they might develop it, and many are thinking of attaching a six barreled 20mm barrel Gatling gun to the nose, right on, as a chin turret.
And the idea is that this can carry 75 troops to a destination in the same amount of time it takes a CH-53 to carry 55. As well as being faster, more maneuverable etc.
The Spec Ops Airforce is adopting these as well, for parachuting missions.
I personally am rooting for a Gatling gun, because the only other defense weapon is a rear mounted m240 machine gun.
I'm very interested in its development, the concept has been in line since the 1950's.
I'm glad to see the marines get a new piece of equipment to replace the CH-46. I like the CH-46 alot, but its been in service for 30 years.
Originally posted by: Lurknomore
How about a helicopter with an A-10 type bathtub frame?
Might be cheaper and much more durable.
Enter the CH-53, the aircraft whose transport duties this aircraft is designed to replace.
As for accidents, from what I've read, they can be avoided by tilting the rotors forward and avoiding pop wash, which is basically thin air (no pun intended) and the rotors have nothing to grip, stalling the engine and causing a lot of mayhem.
So they've been amending problems, and no new thing comes without risk. I'm sure it'll be able to prove itself in Iraq.
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