V-22A Osprey tilt rotor aircraft |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Service
Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force |
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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 |
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General Characteristics
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| Primary Function: Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. |
| Contractor: Bell-Boeing. |
| Propulsion: Two pivoting Rolls-Royce/Allison AE1107C engines. |
| Rotor Diameter: 38 feet (11.58 meters); Blades per rotor: Three. |
| Weight: 60,500 lbs max gross weight. |
| Airspeed: 272 knots (cruise speed). |
| Ceiling: 25,000 feet (service ceiling). |
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| Last Update: 20 February 2009 |
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Video: Operations training for the Osprey aboard USS Wasp
Audio: The V-22 Osprey is airborn again
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