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Naval
Forces News - France, USA |
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USMC
V22 Osprey conducted deck trials onboard French Navy's Mistral Class
LHD Dixmude |
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In
January 2014 a United States Marine Corps (USMC) V22 Osprey landed for
the first time onboard the Dixmude, a French Navy Mistral class LHD.
The success of this experiment confirmed the full interoperability of
Mistral class amphibious vessels with the means implemented by American
Expeditionary Strike Groups. The French LHD are indeed fully interoperable
with LCAC landing crafts, with heavy helicopters (Sikorsky CH53 Sea
Stallion) and now with the Bell-Boeing V22 Opsrey tilt rotor aircraft. |
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A USMC V22 Osprey onboard the French Navy Dixmude LHD
Picture: French Navy
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For
about two hours several deck landings were conducted in order to perform
environmental surveys. These have allowed the French Navy experimental
squadron to validate the V22 operations according to the specific aerology
of the French LHD and to fine tune the landing zones on the vessel.
Given the mass, dimensions, blast and heat produced by the tiltrotor
aircraft, this first experiment was delicate. Mistral class vessels,
the number 1 landing sport located at the bow is reinforced for heavy
helicopters. Mistral LHDs are used to accommodate NH90 Caiman helicopters
weighing up to 10 tons fully loaded but the V22 which landed weighed
22 tonnes. |
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A USMC V22 Osprey conducted qualification trials with the French Navy
Dixmude LHD
Picture: French Navy
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Two French Navy
test pilots (one from an experimental squadron, CEPA/10S, the other
from the French Procurement Agency DGA) were present onboard the V22
to observe and assist the USMC crew in the maneuvers. According to
the commander of CEPA/10S and flight test engineer, "with this
first phase we validated the location, refined procedures and performed
environmental measures primarily of wind and temperature. Although
we had little concern about it, these experiments confirm the ability
of Mistral class LHDs to accomodate the V22 in acceptable security
conditions from the vessel perspective as well as from the aircraft
perspective."
"The success of this step is a further milestone in enhancing
interoperability between the French and American navies and allows
to consider a wider approval of the platform for this type of aircraft,"
concluded Captain Pierre de Briançon, Commanding Officer of
the Dixmude LHD.
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