[kato13]

I think the V22 had significantly scaled back acquisition from what people expected.

Over the course of its development proponents of the V22 suggested that its rising development costs could be offset by the fact that variants of it could be a replacement for the following

C-46s
E-2s
KA-6s
EA-6s
C-2-COD
SH-60F
S-3s
SH-2s
CH-47s
MH-47s
CH-53s
MH-53s


In the end it really only succeeded in replacing some of the helicopters listed above. As it matures it might replace a few others, but it was an attempt to make an aircraft whose variants could do virtually all support tasks.

The KA-6 refueling replacement is still one I would like to see the navy go for. Being able to refuel directly from the fleet oilier and not taking up valuable deck landing/takeoff time could really increase operational tempo during crucial hours in a conflict.