The other day we noted that V-22s were being used as an integral part of the first major push against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Obama ordered the military to implement his new strategy. Knight-Ridder published a detailed story by an embedded reporter about the Osprey's use.
The 10 Ospreys went operational last week. Unlike Iraq, where the Osprey -- fairly or not -- was tagged as one expensive flying bus, the reporter notes that the "Osprey is arriving in the hottest combat zone in a war that has been getting tougher rather than easier."
Buzz readers already had a glimpse of what the Ospreys would be able to do in Afghanistan. Our predictions seem to be borne out, if this story is a guide.
"For one thing, it will allow them to react to information about the enemy much quicker.
"The aircraft is so fast, in fact, that it can sometimes make two trips back and forth in the time it takes a helicopter to make one trip.
"That capability came into play Friday in the Now Zad operation, as the aircraft made several trips to deliver troops, [Marine spokesman] Pelletier said."
For the full story, click on the link in the lede sentence.
