The V-22 Osprey is a multirole combat aircraft that employs tiltrotor technology, merging the vertical capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing plane.
With its rotors upright, it can perform take-offs, landings, and hover like a helicopter.
When in flight, it transforms into a turboprop airplane, achieving high-speed and high-altitude travel.
This unique combination grants the V-22 unprecedented global reach, carving out a distinct operational niche.
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the world’s first successful military tiltrotor aircraft and boasts the largest active production line for tiltrotors.
In March 1989, the V-22 ascended for its inaugural flight in Arlington, Texas.
Renowned for its versatility, the V-22 has been deployed in numerous combat and humanitarian operations, offering earthquake relief, and supporting hurricane response efforts worldwide.
Serving as a joint service military asset, the U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force currently operate their own variants of the V-22 model – the MV, CV, CMV, and Japan MV, respectively.
Over its 34 years of service, over 475 V-22s have been commissioned to carry out combat and humanitarian missions across the globe.
Featuring a rotating wing and horizontally folding rotors, the V-22 is designed for storage on an aircraft carrier or assault ship, facilitating global transport for mission completion.
The V-22 is tasked with a broad spectrum of missions, including long-range infiltration, exfiltration, medium-range assault, special operations, VIP transportation, resupply, disaster relief, search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and humanitarian efforts.
This multi-engine tiltrotor is powered by dual Rolls-Royce Liberty AE1107C engines.
It can accommodate up to 24 personnel within its cabin.
Equipped with aerial refueling capabilities via high-speed drogues, the V-22 achieves extended flight durations of several hours or more.
The V-22’s velocity is nearly double that of the average helicopter.
Its speed and expansive operational range enable swift reaction times during the critical “Golden Hour” following an incident.
The V-22 features complete runway independence, enabling take-offs and landings in the most demanding locations.
Currently, the V-22 has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours.
The V-22 has been featured in over 40 notable film and video productions.
Variants
V-22A
Pre-production, full-scale development aircraft are utilized for flight testing.
Post the 1993 redesign, these are informally recognized as A-variants.
CV-22B
The U.S. Air Force’s variant designed for the U.S. Special Operations Command is capable of executing long-range special operations missions.
It is outfitted with additional wing fuel tanks, an AN/APQ-186 terrain-following radar, and other systems like the AN/ALQ-211 and AN/AAQ-24 Nemesis Directional Infrared Countermeasures.
The fuel capacity is augmented by 588 gallons (2,230 litres) through two inboard wing tanks, and up to three auxiliary tanks (200 or 430 gallons) can be installed in the cabin.
The CV-22 has taken over the role previously filled by the MH-53 Pave Low.
MV-22B
The U.S. Marine Corps variant of the V-22 serves as the primary model in its development.
This variant functions as an assault transport for troops, equipment, and supplies, and is capable of operating from both ships and shore-based expeditionary airfields.
It has replaced the CH-46E and CH-53D fleets within the Marine Corps.
CMV-22B
The U.S. Navy’s variant for the carrier onboard delivery role is akin to the MV-22B, but it features an extended-range fuel system, a high-frequency radio, and a public address system.
