U.S. to fly controversial Osprey in combat

The U.S. Pentagon is forging ahead with plans to get the MV-22 helicopter-aircraft into combat, despite a controversial and deadly performance history.

The Boeing Co. and the Bell Helicopter's aircraft takes off vertically as a helicopter and the engines rotate forward to fly as a turboprop plane. The craft is used primarily as a troop transporter.

But six years ago, two crashes of the Osprey killed 19 Marines, and the project was shelved.

Now, the Pentagon has ordered 458 of the $70 million craft, most of which will go the Marines Corps, although those destined for the Air Force will cost $89 million each because of enhanced electronic combat features, the Escondido (Calif.) North County Times reported.

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