Israel's interest in V-22 Ospreys, developments...

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http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 2s-375709/

Israel may lease up to eight V-22s

By: Arie Egozi Tel Aviv

7 hours ago

Faced with insufficient resources to fund the purchase of Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotors, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are instead considering leasing six to eight of the aircraft for the Israeli air force.

Last year the service identified an operational requirement for the V-22, following an evaluation of the type at US Marine Corps facilities in the USA. The IAF had hoped to buy "a number" of tiltrotors for "special operations".

Continues at http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 2s-375709/

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Israeli pilots give detailed assessment of V-22 tiltrotor

12:43
14 Jan 2013

Israel is continuing to evaluate a possible acquisition of the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, with fresh details having emerged about the experience gained by two of its helicopter pilots in flying the tiltrotor type.

The Israeli air force magazine has released parts of a report written by senior helicopter pilots, identified only as Lt Col Avi and Lt Col Nimrod, who flew the US Marine Corps' MV-22 in the USA during 2011 and 2012.

The air force's final report following the evaluations was in favour of purchasing a number of V-22s for use during missions defined as special operations, and not as direct replacements for its existing helicopters. As previously reported by Flightglobal, the general staff of the Israel defence forces is also considering a possible lease agreement for between six and eight V-22s.

"We examined how the plane would alter operational activities we've carried out and will carry out in the future deep in enemy lines," Nimrod says. "While some of the operations would have changed completely with its help, there are some that would not have been altered at all.

Much more at http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... or-380989/