The stand down is the latest safety concern related to Osprey flight operations this year. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force / Yasuo Osakabe)
Key Takeaways:
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has grounded its entire fleet of 52 CV-22 Osprey aircraft as of August 16 for safety investigations.
The stand-down is specifically due to a "hard clutch engagement" issue in the aircraft's gearbox, which can cause power transfer anomalies, necessitate immediate landings, and potentially lead to loss of control.
Four such incidents have occurred in the last five years, including two in the preceding six weeks, prompting the grounding while the root cause remains unknown and under investigation.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has grounded its fleet of CV-22 Osprey aircraft in order to conduct safety investigations following a string of incidents involving the aircraft’s clutch, according to officials.
The stand down order issued August 16 applies to all 52 CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft in AFSOC’s fleet, command spokesperson Lt. Col. Rebecca Heysetold FLYING.
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