V-22A Osprey

Multimission aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capability (VTOL). The V-22A Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft with a 38-foot rotor system and engine/ transmission unit (nacelle) mounted on each wing tip. The unique design enables the Osprey to operate like a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees to facilitate high-speed, fuel-efficient horizontal flight as a turboprop airplane. The wing rotates for compact storage enabling the Osprey to operate from ships or expeditionary airfields.

The U.S. Marines are the lead service in the development of the Osprey, which will be utilized as a joint service, multimission aircraft. The Marines and Army will use the Osprey (MV-22A) as an assault transport for troops, equipment, and supplies. The Navy version (HV-22A) will provide combat search and rescue, delivery, retrieval of special warfare teams, and fleet logistical support. The Air Force Osprey (CV-22A) will conduct long-range, special-operations missions.

With an operating ceiling of 25,000 feet, the Osprey can cruise at 257 knots. The aircraft was first flown in March 1989, and were grounded briefly in August 2000 after pilots encountered a problem with one of the driveshaft assemblies. The aircraft was returned to service in September 2000 following an investigation. Bell-Boeing, which manufacturers the V-22A Osprey, will provide the Marines with 360 aircraft, the Navy with 48, and the Air Force with 50. The aircraft have provisions for two .50-caliber machine guns.