The US Naval Air Systems Command has released the findings of a comprehensive review into the V-22 Osprey, reaffirming the aircraft’s airworthiness and allowing continued operations across the US Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
Published on 12 December, the review was ordered in September 2023 to assess V-22 performance and identify measures to improve safety and readiness. NAVAIR said the aircraft remains airworthy under established controls and described it as a critical joint capability for US forces.
The review produced 32 recommendations, all of which are now being implemented by the Department of the Navy and the services operating the tiltrotor. These actions are intended to strengthen safety oversight, improve readiness and reduce the risk of future incidents.
Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty, Commander of NAVAIR, said: “In coordination with V-22 service leaders, NAVAIR has developed action plans to mitigate safety deficiencies. We are continuously evaluating procedural compliance to prevent mishaps as well as strengthening airworthiness controls to establish clear risk thresholds.”
NAVAIR said it is conducting regular progress reviews to improve cross-service coordination and ensure corrective actions are carried out effectively. Dougherty added: “Through ongoing analysis and targeted action, we remain committed to improving the V-22’s performance and safeguarding the warfighters who rely on this platform.”
While the findings were developed specifically for the V-22 programme, NAVAIR said lessons learned will be shared more widely across the military aviation community to inform best practice.
The command stressed that the V-22 remains central to US military operations and that maintaining its airworthiness is essential to national security. NAVAIR said it continues to monitor data and trends across all aircraft platforms to ensure personnel are provided with the safest and most reliable equipment possible.
The comprehensive review is available here.
