The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted an “Elephant Walk” featuring eight V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at the 50th Kisarazu Air Show on October 5, 2024. The annual event, which also marked the 56th anniversary of Kisarazu Air Base, was a high-profile opportunity for Japan’s defense forces to demonstrate the capabilities of their cutting-edge aircraft, despite challenging weather conditions. The air show, open to the public, drew widespread attention as attendees braved the elements to witness the rare and awe-inspiring sight of eight V-22 Ospreys taxiing in synchronized formation.
The “Elephant Walk,” a term coined to describe a military exercise in which aircraft taxi together in close formation before takeoff, symbolizes operational readiness and the ability to deploy rapidly in crisis situations. In this case, it was a highly symbolic showcase of Japan’s commitment to national defense and the significant investment it has made in acquiring and maintaining its Osprey fleet.
Held at Kisarazu Air Field, the air show celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone that highlighted the enduring connection between the base and the local community. The show has evolved over the decades into a key public relations event for the JGSDF, where the latest advancements in Japan’s military aviation are put on display. This year’s event, however, held special significance due to the increased visibility of the V-22 Osprey, a unique tiltrotor aircraft capable of both vertical takeoff like a helicopter and forward flight like a traditional airplane.
A highlight of the event was the synchronized taxiing of the Ospreys. For the public, witnessing eight of these advanced aircraft moving in unison was a rare spectacle. While the Osprey has been a point of fascination and controversy, its presence in this year’s air show was a testament to the JGSDF’s confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities despite its checkered operational history.
The 1st Helicopter Brigade’s Air Transport Corps, which operates the JGSDF’s Osprey fleet, took to social media after the event to express its gratitude: “Thank you for coming to the event despite the unfortunate weather!” they tweeted on October 10, accompanied by photos of the Ospreys during the Elephant Walk.
The V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft jointly developed by Bell and Boeing, has been a game-changer in military aviation. With its ability to take off and land vertically while flying like a conventional fixed-wing plane, the Osprey provides unique operational flexibility for a variety of military missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and special operations.
However, the Osprey’s history has been marred by numerous accidents, safety concerns, and controversy over its cost. Nicknamed “the widow-maker” due to its involvement in fatal crashes, the aircraft has faced criticism both within the military and from the public. Despite these concerns, the U.S. and Japan continue to invest in the platform, believing its capabilities outweigh the risks.
The JGSDF currently operates 14 V-22 Ospreys, with plans to expand the fleet to 17 aircraft. Japan is the only foreign operator of any variant of the V-22 family, underlining the strategic importance Tokyo places on the aircraft. The U.S. military operates three versions of the Osprey: the MV-22 for the Marine Corps, the CV-22 for the U.S. Air Force, and the CMV-22B for the U.S. Navy’s carrier onboard delivery missions.
The Elephant Walk demonstration came just months after the resumption of Osprey operations in Japan, which had been paused following a deadly crash in late 2023. On November 29, 2023, a U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey crashed during a routine mission, killing all eight service members on board. The incident, involving an aircraft from the 353d Special Operations Wing stationed at Kadena Air Base, sent shockwaves through both the U.S. and Japan, given the close military cooperation between the two nations. The crash prompted a temporary standdown of all Osprey operations to address safety concerns.
This tragic event followed another Osprey crash in August 2023 off the coast of Australia, which claimed the lives of three U.S. Marines during a training exercise. The series of high-profile accidents has intensified scrutiny of the Osprey’s safety record. Since its introduction, 16 V-22 Ospreys have been involved in accidents that rendered them beyond repair, leading to the deaths of 62 personnel.
While these incidents have raised alarms about the aircraft’s reliability, military officials maintain that the Osprey is an indispensable asset for modern warfare. The ability of the tiltrotor aircraft to reach remote locations and operate in diverse environments remains unmatched, making it a critical tool for both U.S. and Japanese military operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of the most persistent issues with the Osprey has been related to its gearbox, specifically a problem known as “hard clutch engagement.” This occurs when the clutch disconnects from the rotor system and then re-engages abruptly, potentially leading to a sudden loss of altitude and control. This issue has been cited in several accidents, including the November 2023 crash.
The complexity of the Osprey’s transmission system, which integrates helicopter-like rotor lift with airplane-like flight, has long posed challenges. Since the aircraft’s introduction in the 1990s, engineers have grappled with how to mitigate the stress placed on its gears and driveshafts due to the Osprey’s unique design. The interaction of the engine, weight, and vibration can cause mechanical failures, leading to dangerous situations for pilots and crew.
In February 2023, the U.S. military announced that it had made progress in addressing the “hard clutch engagement” issue by replacing a key component, the input quill assembly, every 800 flight hours. This change was intended to reduce the likelihood of future malfunctions, with military leaders expressing confidence that the problem was largely resolved. However, doubts remain within the aviation community, as the issue has persisted despite these preventive measures.
The Osprey’s safety record, coupled with its mechanical challenges, continues to fuel debate over the aircraft’s future. Nevertheless, both the U.S. and Japan appear committed to maintaining their Osprey fleets, citing the aircraft’s strategic importance.
For Japan, the Osprey represents more than just an advanced military aircraft—it is a crucial part of the country’s national defense strategy. Japan’s acquisition of the V-22 was driven by its need to enhance its ability to respond quickly to threats in the region, particularly in the context of rising tensions with China and North Korea. The Osprey’s ability to operate from both land and sea makes it an ideal asset for Japan’s self-defense forces, which often face challenges in accessing remote islands and coastal areas.
The JGSDF’s decision to feature the Osprey so prominently at the 50th Kisarazu Air Show underscores the aircraft’s role in Japan’s defense posture. The Elephant Walk, in particular, was not just a demonstration of military precision but also a public statement about the readiness and operational capability of Japan’s tiltrotor fleet.
As Japan continues to invest in its Osprey fleet, questions about the aircraft’s safety and long-term viability remain. The military has made significant efforts to address the mechanical issues that have plagued the Osprey since its inception, but recent crashes have shown that more work needs to be done to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its crew.
Despite these concerns, the Osprey remains a critical part of both U.S. and Japanese military operations. Its unique capabilities, including its versatility and ability to operate in difficult environments, make it a valuable asset for a wide range of missions. The Elephant Walk at Kisarazu Air Field served as a reminder of the Osprey’s potential, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges that come with operating such a complex and controversial aircraft.
As Japan and the U.S. continue to refine their use of the Osprey, the aircraft’s future will likely be shaped by both technological advancements and lessons learned from past tragedies. For now, the V-22 Osprey remains a symbol of military innovation, resilience, and, for better or worse, the risks inherent in pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.
