Osprey Aircraft in Final Tests

The U.S. Marine Corps said final tests began Monday on the military’s Osprey aircraft, a helicopter-airplane hybrid that has been plagued by deadly crashes and design problems.

The Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft can land and take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. Commanders say the Osprey can haul more troops and equipment farther than helicopters. It was designed to replace the aging helicopters in the Marine Corps fleet.

The Osprey program has been threatened since 23 Marines died in two crashes during testing in 2000. The Osprey was also grounded for a few weeks this year because the coating on a part in the gearbox was wearing off faster than expected.

The Pentagon says each Osprey costs about $40 million.

The tests, scheduled through the end of June, will help determine whether the Osprey is ready for full production.

The Marine Corps has ordered 360 Ospreys, the Navy 48 and the Air Force 50 for special operations.

Testing conditions will include high altitudes, extreme temperatures and desert conditions.