An Air Force Special Operations version of the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, designated CV-22, crashed in southeastern Afghanistan Friday, killing four and injuring others. Its the first deadly crash of an Osprey since it entered operational service in 2006 and its first crash in a combat zone. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Taliban issued their customary claim that they shot the Osprey down; most such claims are later discredited.
-- Greg
Just to add to Greg's post: Remember the CV-22 is a SOCOM asset flown by AFSOC. It has a significantly different range of missions than its Marine counterpart. The CV is a replacement for the "Pave Low" H-53 variant. The CV has a better EW suite (SIRFC/DIRCM) and longer range because of greater fuel capacity. It also costs about $8 million more per copy ($76 versus $68).
(Update April 11) Our buddy Chris Castelli at Inside Defense is reporting that NATO sources have said that there was a firefight "near the crash scene," which increases the possibility that the Osprey was downed by enemy fire. SIRFC/DIRCM is supposed to increase survivability in a SAM environment. Small arms fire is another matter . . .
Chris also reported that the wreckage was destroyed in accordance with SOP when classified gear is associated with a crash site. Obviously, that's going to make the mishap investigators' job a little tougher . . or easier depending on your point of view.
-- Ward
