While there was talk last month that perhaps the crash of a V-22 in Afghanistan would validate criticism of the notorious Osprey, LoD has learned the crash was NOT due to mechanical malfunction or hostile fire. A line of departure exclusive.

Rick Whittle spins a fascinating yarn of science, politics, and intrigue as he tells the inside story of how the revolutionary V-22 rose Phoenix-like from the ashes to become a potential game-changer. The jury is still out on the “Dream Machine,” but in telling the tale of how the heli-plane survived setbacks that would have killed most over-budget defense programs, Whittle provides an enthralling window on how Washington, the Pentagon, and the Defense industry really work. Whittle’s easy writing style makes the brisk narrative appealing to the novice and aviation expert alike.

The U.S. Marine Corps has spent billions developing a revolutionary heli-plane that would be capable of speeding to any corner of the world, and then shift into helicopter mode to deliver troops and heavy equipment to the most remote and rugged terrain. So why wasn’t the V-22 Osprey used to get first responders to Haiti in the crucial first 24–48 hours, when they could have saved countless additional lives?

Just a few years ago there were serious questions whether the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor heliplane was simply too unforgiving the fly in combat. But the V-22s proved their worth in dust of Iraq, and now they will get a real test in the thin mountain air of Afghanistan.