Originally Posted by
SabreDriver
You are correct that our Marines do need a new lifter to replace the 46, they deserve it. We can do better.
The Osprey program began before I started AOCS and the aircraft wasn't operational until well after I retired. All for an airframe that doesn't seem like a huge improvement over the 53E (Though I'm admittedly unqualified to speak with any authority on the subject and when I was in primary I can remember Marine instructors talking about the 53E being dangerous). This is a common theme in the military, spend a lot of time and money on something that's only a marginal improvement over what it replaces. Tough to balance the need to push the technology envelope with the fiscal restraint necessary to have an efficient, well trained force.
I think back to the A-6F program that was canned in favor of the A-12 that never got built, leaving a gap in our force. Often, we let perfect be the enemy of good. As has been said, it's "water under the bridge" now as the decisions have been made.