The move has been in the works for a few years now, but come the turn of 2013, Barack Obama's presidential fleet of Marine helicopters, "Marine One," is due to add 14 V-22 Ospreys.
Now, manufacturers added few modifications to the V-22s in preparation for the transition: a removable "VIP kit" which basically hides all that unseemly industrial interior, along with some snazzy floor carpeting.
Beneath those mods though, lurks the same hardcore baby the Marine Corps has been boasting about over the years — and in case you're wondering, yes, it's a hell of a ride.
Regardless, they aren't for Obama to fly in personally. Reports say the helos will carry "supplies" and the "White House Press Corps"— which inspires images of white knuckled journalists at the whim of hot shot Marine aviation officers.
The Osprey took its first flight in 1989 and despite accidents that have killed dozens of troops — it's billed by some top ranking officers as one of the safest aircraft in the fleet
One of the problems with the plane is that the rotor can slip too deeply into its downwash — lose lift on one side and flip — the Osprey now has indicators alerting pilots when this situation develops
Aside from its vertical and traditional flight capabilities the aircraft can haul 8,600 gallons of fuel and fly twice as fast as the Sea Knight helicopter
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