American MV-22 Ospreys will soon be conducting training flights at a significantly reduced altitude in Japan. The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee announced on Jul. 7 that starting from Jul. 10, the minimum altitude for these flights will be lowered to 200 feet, a sharp drop from the previous requirement of 500 feet.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Justin J. Marty
The decision to allow low-altitude flight training for the MV-22 Osprey was made by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, specifying that the training will take place in mountainous areas across Japan, excluding Okinawa Prefecture. Emphasizing safety, the U.S. military has pledged to implement rigorous measures, including the prohibition of flights on weekends and holidays, as well as between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Additionally, they will avoid airspace over residential areas, schools, hospitals, and power plants. The altitudes chosen for the training will ensure emergency landings can be safely executed if necessary.
The necessity for MV-22 Osprey pilots to regularly undergo flight training at an altitude of 200 feet was previously fulfilled outside of Japan. However, the U.S. military requested that this training be conducted in Japan, arguing that it would contribute to the efficient operation of the aircraft. As a result, the minimum altitude was temporarily lowered to 300 feet (roughly 90 meters) last fall, during the Resolute Dragon bilateral training exercise in Hokkaido, Japan.
During Resolute Dragon, which took place on Oct. 7, 2022, MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, performed Low Altitude Tactics (LAT) training at 300 feet for the first time in Japan. This training proved to be highly beneficial, improving the squadron’s operational readiness. Over 20 aircrew members were able to requalify, and instructor qualification flights were conducted, further enhancing the unit’s capabilities.
For more information, hit the Source below