Aerospace

Osprey aircraft crash in California: 5 Marines killed

Five people were killed, according to local accounts, when a US military plane crashed in the desert of Southern California. At the time, the cause of the crash was unknown.

The incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement from 1st Lt. Duane Kampa, a spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

According to a Facebook post from Naval Air Facility El Centro, the aircraft belongs to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, about 115 miles (185 kilometres) west of the accident site in Imperial County. The plane crashed near the town of Glamis, according to the report.

“We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap,” Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.”

After their next-of-kin has been notified, the military personnel’s identities will be revealed 24 hours later.

The Osprey was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton by Marine Aircraft Group 39.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and the Imperial County Fire Department were called to the scene of the crash.

According to the Marines, the Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft used to transport personnel and cargo. It has the ability to take off and land like a helicopter while also flying like an aircraft.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Osprey crashes have resulted in 46 deaths prior to Wednesday’s tragedy.

A Marine Corps Osprey crashed in a Norwegian hamlet in the Arctic Circle on March 18 while participating in a NATO exercise, killing four Marines. Three Marines were killed when their MV-22B Osprey plane crashed off the coast of Queensland, Australia, in 2017. When an MV-22 Osprey caught fire following a “hard landing” in Hawaii in 2015, one Marine was killed and 21 others were injured.

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft used by the United States military. It has a history of accidents, which has led to concerns about its safety. The aircraft’s development, manufacturing, and support were done in collaboration between Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters.

The V-22 has been involved in eight collisions since its beginning in 2007, two of which happened in combat zones, as well as several other accidents and incidents, resulting in a total of 16 fatalities.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.