We have written several times about the tilt rotor MV-22 Osprey, and how it may or may not be suitable to fight wildfires by dropping water or transporting firefighters. While it can carry up to 15,000 pounds of external cargo, which might translate to about 1,500 gallons of water, the extreme rotor downwash and the heat from the exhaust which has started fires are two serious limiting factors.
Four MV-22s are being used in Nepal as part of the U.S. response to the earthquake. An article in Calcutta’s The Telegraph points out two issues that are limiting factors for assisting with the earthquake response.
The Ospreys, the Nepalese have seen, flatten or blow off the roofs of the weak houses of villagers while landing and taking off. “They also raise dust storms,” one pilot said.
The MV-22 can carry up to 20,000 pounds of internal cargo or 32 troops, but apparently are having trouble with the density altitude at the high elevations in Nepal.
In one high-altitude village ravaged by tremors, the sight of an Osprey gave much hope to residents who wanted to be evacuated. But the Osprey’s payload limitations meant that the aircraft could evacuate only three persons. Elsewhere, villagers have asked the Nepal Army not to send the Ospreys “because they take away the little that remains with us”.
Articles at Fire Aviation tagged MV-22, and at Wildfire Today tagged MV-22.
1 Comment
Just as bad as back in the early 60’s with the Marines H-34/S-58’s . Could only carry two firefighters and no tools. They lasted 3 days, due mainly mechanical problems.
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