A Paradigm Shift

Lt. Col. David “Zorro” Lane

“There is a constant movement of aircraft within the MAG [Marine Aircraft Group] depending on the needs, such as forward-deployed aircraft in theater, reserve squadrons, units returning, and in training,” commented Lt. Col. David “Zorro” Lane, a former CO of VMM-363 who previously flew CH-46Es.

“Looking at the resources we have, the planning aspects, we are working hard and the tax dollars spent are used wisely, but it is difficult because we have to do more with less. There is a common misconception about the V-22 and defensive weapon systems. The CH-46 and CH-53 have tail guns and door guns. Although we have a tail gun, the truly most effective weapon system on the V-22 is its speed and its range. If speed and range are applied correctly, you have less of a requirement for defensive systems such as guns. It is a paradigm shift. With the innate capability set of the V-22, the role has significantly shifted and is different enough from the CH-46 and CH-53 [to] make us as efficient and as effective as we are.

“When we look at the range and speed, and what we are trying to get done on the battlefield, [the V-22] is immeasurable against any other rotorcraft out there. The same is true of defensive weapon systems; our requirement is different from what existed before. Having a capable asset like the V-22 forward-based expands the capability set. Being able to self-deploy in the Osprey is a powerful projection tool that our leaders can take advantage of. Some of the operations out of Afghanistan and forward deployed arrears in Iraq have been a great example of what we can do with the V-22, and some of the other services recognize that.”

ALTHOUGH WE HAVE A TAIL GUN, THE TRULY MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON SYSTEM ON THE V-22 IS ITS SPEED AND ITS RANGE.