http://www.youtube.com/v/WfYfRg72Y7k&hl=en&fs=1
The United States Air Force has declared initial operational capability (IOC) with the USAF variant of the Osprey know as the CV-22. This aircraft differs some from its Marine MV-22 cousin in that it has a wider variety of sensors and other appliances for the USAF special operations mission.
IOC is a big deal. It means that the USAF has declared that the program has reached a milestone where it is less in test and development and more into normal combat operations and training. CV-22 is past the halfway point to reaching full operating capability where the non-test flying organizations in the field are considered mature enough to stand up having progressed through demanding qualifications needed for operational duty. IOC means that the program has produced enough “knowns” and has shed all of the high risk elements of this very complex program.
What now? More steady work so as to get certified for full operational capability. It is no easier from here for the CV-22 community. They are still high profile and still under the microscope.
wow V-22 … initially a Marine Corps project that was much maligned and hated…that has gone on to revolutionize Marine aviation and looks to be about to do the same to Air Force Special Ops. great plane and maybe a flying example to all (HELLO F-35!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)