USMC MV-22 Training Systems Update
Monday, 11 January 2010 13:53
The fully self-contained, $8.6 million containerized flight training device (CFTD) is the second of four MV-22 trainers for fleet use at MCAS Miramar.
“The arrival of this newest MV-22 trainer marks another crucial step in increasing the training opportunities for our fleet aircrews,” said Captain Darryl “Spike” Long, Aviation Training Systems program manager (PMA-205) in a NAVAIR statement provided to MT2. “V-22 crews use these types of trainers to accomplish more than 50 percent of their training requirements so when we deliver them early, on-time and on-budget, everyone benefits.”
Once operational, the MV-22 CFTDs have a solid history of being reliable with very little maintenance downtime, added Owen. “On average, these trainers have a 98 percent reliability rating with an average of only 12 to 15 hours of operational down time due to maintenance per year.”
Over time, the cost of these trainers has gone down and their capability has increased according to Owen.
The third and fourth trainers are scheduled to be delivered to MCAS Miramar in early to mid-2010. A fifth V-22 flight trainer is scheduled for delivery to MCAS New River, N.C. in the fall of 2010. ♦