Propeller Aircraft

V-22 Vertical Lift Aircraft
MV-22B Osprey, CMV-22B Osprey, CV-22B (U.S. Air Force)

The vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) MV-22 Osprey underwent its maiden deployment in 2006 and serves as a multi-mission aircraft often supporting combat and logistical operations.

In Marine Corps use, the MV-22 will replace the CH-53D Sea Stallion transport helicopter. In Navy use, the aircraft is potentially a replacement for the C-2 Greyhound.

With its massive three-bladed 38-foot propellers, the Osprey is not only unusual in appearance, but also in composition. Its fuselage and empennage are partly comprised of aluminum and carbon/epoxy composite. The wing and nacelles are comprised of carbon/epoxy composite and fiberglass.

A relative new comer, the first MV-22 induction to the command was in 2015 at FRCSW Site Miramar when FRCSW joined FRC East in establishing the Navy’s Integrated Maintenance Program (IMP) requirements for the tilt-rotor aircraft.

The IMP model is also applicable to the Air Force’s Osprey fleet.

The IMP targets the structural integrity of the airframe and is comprised of Planned Maintenance Interval-One (PMI-1) and PMI-2.

During induction, the aircraft’s engines, fuel cells, and select panels are removed and preserved. Specifications for both PMI processes are similar, however, PMI-2 is a more in-depth event that includes painting of the aircraft.

FRCSW completed its first PMI-1 in May 2016 at its Miramar site and inducted its first MV-22 for PMI-2 in January 2019 at its North Island site.

An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced).

E-2 Hawkeye & C-2 Greyhound Propeller Aircraft
E-2C Hawkeye, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

For more than 50 years, the airborne early warning system E-2 Hawkeye has served as guardian to the Navy’s aircraft carrier battle groups by monitoring surface and aerial threats. The turboprop multi-mission aircraft also supports rescue and land-based operations.

FRCSW performs two levels of scheduled maintenance on the E-2C and E-2D, the fourth and more technologically advanced variant designed to replace the C model.

Level I primarily targets corrosion, cracks and electrical issues and is performed at FRCSW Site Pt Mugu and FRC Mid-Atlantic.

Level II, conducted at Naval Air Station North Island, is a major disassembly of the aircraft’s fuselage including the engines, wings, landing gear and tail. Further, the aircraft’s corrosion preventive paint is removed and an in-depth metal assessment is performed targeting cracks, corrosion, exfoliation and other surface anomalies.

FRCSW recently completed its first E-2D Level II maintenance event.

An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at the FRCSW Test Line.

Sailors prepare to launch an E-2D Hawkeye of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

C-2A Greyhound

The sister airframe to the E-2, the C-2A Greyhound transport has been in service to the Navy since 1965 and is primarily used for logistical purposes. With a wider fuselage than the E-2, the C-2A offers a 10,000-pound payload capable of moving high-priority cargo between aircraft carriers and shore.

The C-2A is scheduled to be phased out this decade and replaced by the CMV-22 Osprey, which also maintained by command personnel. To extend the Greyhound’s service life to meet that timeframe, FRCSW performs a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) overhaul on the transport.

SLEP, which began in 1998, encompassed two major modifications: replacing any parts that may affect the aircraft’s structural integrity and upgrading the aircraft’s electrical wiring.

The procedure included maintenance on the center wing structure and replacement of all the aircraft’s wing hinge fittings. Stronger fasteners were installed along the longerons to enhance the support of the fuselage.

The procedure extended the airframe service life by 5,000 flight hours, and the number of catapult and trappings by 1,100.

All of the Navy’s C-2A inventory have undergone the SLEP procedure, the last one completed by FRCSW in 2011.

The command continues to provide maintenance, inspections and repairs to the Greyhound.

A C-2A Greyhound from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 readies for launch from the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

ABH3 Dylan Mills directs the crew of a C-2A Greyhound from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).