Marine Corps Osprey

There is no doubt that the V-22 Osprey is a significant investment, but Ivan Eland’s contention that the tilt-rotor aircraft ought to be scrapped in the wake of the recent accident that cost the lives of four Marines is woefully shortsighted (Commentary, Jan. 5).

Eland favors limiting our acquisition of the tilt-rotor Osprey to the aircraft already purchased and using these in select operations. As for the mission requirements we aim to fulfill with the V-22, he suggests using the CH-53 or Blackhawk helicopters instead.

Twenty years ago, a close examination of alternatives revealed that no aircraft in existence or in development will be nearly as effective as the V-22 in meeting our 21st century mission requirements.

We believe the V-22 to be safer and far more capable than the Vietnam-era helicopter it’s replacing. Compared to the nearly 40-year-old CH-46E, the V-22 flies twice as fast, five times as far, with triple the payload--a leap in combat effectiveness that will save lives. For very good reason, the pilots who fly the Osprey are its strongest supporters.

LT. GEN. FRED McCORKLE

Deputy Commandant

Aviation, Marine Corps

Washington