What Mr. Lehman realized was that a handful of V-22s could have carried the same number of commandos twice as fast and five times farther than the helicopters, eliminating the transports and the refueling stop. In March 1982, Mr. Lehman flew the XV-15 himself at the Quantico, Va., Marine base. Not long after, he arranged for the Navy Department, which includes the Marines, to take over an existing Pentagon program to develop a common replacement for various helicopters and planes. The project was off the ground. Within the Marines, the need for the plane became an article of faith.
Ospreys are large birds known for diving down on their prey.
The project became a favorite of the Texas and Pennsylvania congressional delegations, as well as those from other states where subcontractors are located. And on Capitol Hill, lobbyists for Bell, Boeing and suppliers spread the gospel. But that was about to change. Planning for 12 more of the craft was under way. Then Mr. Cheney released his first defense budget.