Ospreys grounded again and looking back on a Delta Dart record
The CV-22 and V-22 fleet is down again and remembering a record breaking F-106
“It is complete nonsense to believe flying machines will ever work.”
– Sir Stanley Mosley, 1905
Mission Briefing:
Maybe Sir Stanley Mosley knew about the Osprey? While an excellent concept, the V-22 family of aircraft have been plagued with issues. Just last week, the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have grounded their fleets of V-22 Osprey aircraft after another parts failure, this time during a training mission involving the Air Force's CV-22 variant in New Mexico last month.
Neil Lobeda, spokesman for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), confirmed that the recommendation for the operational pause came after the Air Force incident on November 20. The incident, which involved a precautionary landing at Cannon Air Force Base, resulted in no injuries or damage, but initial findings indicated a previously unseen material failure.
"Out of an abundance of caution, NAVAIR recommended an operational pause for all V-22 Osprey variants on December 6, 2024," Lobeda said. This recommendation prompted all three services to halt Osprey operations temporarily to analyze the issue and ensure flight safety.
A History of Safety Concerns
This pause comes just over a year after a tragic CV-22 crash in Japan claimed the lives of eight airmen. That crash was linked to the failure of a high-speed planetary pinion gear, a defect traced back to a subcontractor responsible for substandard steel. The same failure type has been linked to seven other incidents dating back to 2013.
The latest precautionary grounding also follows heightened scrutiny of the Osprey program, with lawmakers urging the Pentagon to address ongoing safety issues and improve transparency.
Service-Specific Responses
Air Force: Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), directed a pause in all CV-22 training operations. "This allows us to understand what happened in the most recent event before accepting further risk," said AFSOC spokesperson Lt. Col. Rebecca Heyse.
Navy: The Navy halted operations of its CMV-22B fleet, including those deployed aboard aircraft carriers. "The operational pause allows us to determine if additional safety measures are necessary," said Navy spokesperson Charles Spirtos.
Marine Corps: The Marine Corps implemented a 96-hour operational pause for its MV-22 variant, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation while maintaining confidence in the platform’s safety and effectiveness.
Lawsuits and Accountability
The Osprey's safety record has led to lawsuits against manufacturers Boeing and Bell Textron, as well as Universal Stainless, the subcontractor identified in the Japan crash. Families of the eight airmen lost in that incident and four Marines killed in a 2022 California crash have filed wrongful death suits, alleging negligence in the production of critical components.
Looking Ahead
The Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft known for its versatility, remains a cornerstone of U.S. military operations. However, the recent spate of incidents underscores the importance of addressing systemic safety concerns. For now, the operational pause provides a necessary window for analysis, ensuring the safety of service members who rely on this critical platform.
This development will undoubtedly influence the future of the Osprey program and shape ongoing discussions about its role in military aviation.
This Week in Aviation History
15 December 1959: Major Joseph William Rogers, a decorated United States Air Force pilot, etched his name into aviation history. Flying a Convair F-106A Delta Dart (serial number 56-0467) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Major Rogers achieved a groundbreaking Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world speed record. His feat on a 15 to 25-kilometer straight course surpassed a record set two years prior by Major Adrian E. Drew in a modified F-101A Voodoo.
At 40,000 feet (12,192 meters), Rogers executed two supersonic passes, clocking an average speed of 2,455.736 kilometers per hour (1,525.924 mph)—an incredible Mach 2.31. For this accomplishment, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the FAI Henry De La Vaulx Medal, and the prestigious Thompson Trophy.
The Man Behind the Record
Major Rogers was no stranger to the Delta Dart. As the Air Force project officer assigned to Convair, he was integral to the F-106 program. While his initial record attempt in a different aircraft (56-0459) was derailed by compressor stalls, he succeeded with 56-0467. This substitution sparked some confusion over the aircraft used, but Rogers later confirmed that 56-0467 was the record-setting jet.
Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1924, Rogers’ aviation journey began in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. During the Korean War, he earned the nickname “Whistlin’ Joe” for his innovative use of wing-mounted whistles on his F-51D Mustang to intimidate enemy troops. With 200 combat missions under his belt, including a possible aerial victory against a MiG-15 in his Mustang, Rogers was celebrated as one of TIME Magazine's "Men of the Year" in 1950.
A Life in Flight Test
As a 1954 graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School, Rogers contributed to cutting-edge interceptor programs, including the F-86D Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart. His command of the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Alaska and later his leadership roles with the SR-71A Blackbird and F-12A Test Force demonstrated his versatility and expertise in both operational and experimental aviation.
In December 1969, Rogers survived a harrowing ejection from an SR-71A when the aircraft went out of control. His contributions to aerial defense continued during the Vietnam War, where he flew the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II and served in leadership roles within the Air Force.
The Delta Dart: A Marvel of Engineering
The Convair F-106A Delta Dart was a pinnacle of Cold War-era interceptor technology. Designed as a delta-wing, all-weather, single-engine jet, it was a refinement of the earlier F-102 Delta Dagger. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J75-P-17 afterburning turbojet, the Delta Dart could reach speeds above Mach 2 and cruise at a ceiling of 53,800 feet.
Armed with AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles and the MB-1 Genie rocket capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, the F-106 was a formidable tool in the Air Force's arsenal. Later models incorporated a Vulcan M61A1 cannon for added versatility. Convair produced 342 Delta Darts, ensuring its legacy as a workhorse of the Cold War.
Rogers’ Legacy
Colonel Joseph W. Rogers retired in 1975 after 32 years of service, transitioning to a successful career with Northrop Aerospace. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, courage, and excellence in aviation. His record-breaking flight and contributions to aerial warfare solidify his place among the greatest pilots in history.
As we remember this milestone in aviation history, we honor the relentless pursuit of progress and the pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the skies.
In Case You Missed It
The latest on the B-21 Raider:
Photo Outlet
Over the next year I will be releasing some of the best photos I took at the airshow, here is the next series:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
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-Tog