V-22A Osprey
Description: The V-22 is a joint service, multi-mission aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. It performs VTOL missions as effectively as a conventional helicopter while also having the long-range cruise abilities of a twin turboprop aircraft. More information and photos can be found at The Official V-22 Website.
Background: The Marine Corps is the lead service in the development of the Osprey. The Marine Corps version, the MV-22A, will be an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and will be capable of operating from ships or from expeditionary airfields ashore. The Navy's HV-22A will provide combat search and rescue, delivery and retrieval of special warfare teams along with fleet logistic support transport. The Air Force CV-22A will conduct long-range special operations missions.
Features: The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft with a 38-foot rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle mounted on each wing tip. It can operate as a helicopter when taking off and landing vertically. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees for horizontal flight, converting the V-22 to a high-speed, fuel-efficient turboprop airplane. The wing rotates for compact storage aboard ship. The first flight occurred in March 1989. The V-22 is the world's first production tiltrotor aircraft. Planned purchases include 360 for the Marine Corps, 48 for the Navy and 50 for the Air Force.
Point of Contact:
Naval Air Systems Command
Public Affairs Department
47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT
Bldg. 2272, Suite 075
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
(301)757-1487
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft
Contractor: Bell-Boeing
Propulsion: Two pivoting Rolls-Royce/Allison AE1107C engines
Main rotor diameter: 38 feet (11.58 meters)
Blades per rotor: Three
Weight: 60,500 lbs max gross weight
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (sevice ceiling)
Speed: 272 knots (cruise speed)
Armament: Provisions for two .50 caliber cabin guns
