The V-22 Osprey...is it opeational now?

[RagDragger]

Got a question for you military airplane buffs.  While I was setting up a banner in Woodbine, NJ on Friday an airplane closely resembling a V-22 came to the airport and did a couple crash-and-dashes.  Very cool, the thing took off nearly vertically.  Now, the last I knew, that crazy contraption was still experimental or trying to get funding or not meeting specifications or something.  Anybody know anything about it's current status?   

[undatc]

It's up and running full bore.  I think I posted about it down in the links section awhile ago, I'll see if i can find it.

Couldn't find it so I found a new article on it.  Seems they are going into service in September.

http://www.compositesworld.com/hpc/issues/2007/May/111544

MV-22 Osprey passes major operational tests on way to Iraq The MV-22 Osprey, the composites-intensive tilt-rotor helicopter developed for the U.S. Marines, has accomplished two major steps required for initial operational capability (IOC) and, according to an April 16 report on the Air Force Times Web site, will deploy to the Al Asad Air Base in Iraq in September 2007.

The news is a significant milestone in the aircraft’s development history, which has been marred by serious cost overruns and delays, including a grounding and redesign following two fatal crashes during testing in 2000.

The Osprey recently was put through several real-world operational scenarios over 18 days in the California and Arizona deserts. The missions included a 2,100-mile self-deployment, assault raids, company insertions, recon insertions and extractions, casualty evacuations, tactical recovery of aircraft/personnel, noncombatant evacuation operations and battlefield logistics.

According to the Air Force Times report, the U.S. Marines expect the Osprey will fly twice as fast and three times farther (900-mile/1,448-km range) than the Vietnam-era CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter it will replace. The Osprey’s intensive use of composites is also expected to help it absorb rounds fired by enemy weapons.