Range, speed and flexibilty. Hard rules once defined by the limitations of legacy helicopters. The V-22 offers twice the speed, three times the payload, five times the range, and can fly more than twice as high as older rotorcraft it is destined to replace.
It is the world’s first production tilt rotor combining the vertical performance of a helicopter with the high speed and range of a fixed wing aircraft…
…The V-22 not only rewrites the rules of mobility, it mobilizes the rules of engagement.
Inside the Osprey
At twice the speed of a helicopter, the Osprey carries 24 combat troops, or up to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) of internal cargo or 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg) of external cargo. Its cargo bay can accommodate nine litters with medical personnel and equipment.
Powerful and Reliable Engines
Two Rolls-Royce AE1107C Liberty turboshaft engines supply power for the V-22, producing 6,150 shp (4,586 kW) each. For safe, reliable flight, the V-22’s cross-coupled transmissions allow either engine, separately or together, to power the rotors.
Ship Shaped
Designed with folding rotors and a rotating wing, the V-22 fits nicely in the maritime base. It stores compactly on board an aircraft carrier or assault ship in a minimal footprint. With air-to-air refueling capability, it meets the U.S. Navy requirements for combat search and rescue, fleet logistics support, and special warfare support.
Multi-Missioned
The V-22’s multi-mission capability is like no other. From all manner of assault, support or transport to whatever the need requires in a speed-to-scene, coupled with a hovering capability, the Osprey delivers faster, better - and without peer.
Production Factoids:
- The V-22 is produced under a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and The Boeing Company.
- Under the current program of record, the Marine Corps will purchase 360 MV-22s for missions including amphibious assault, ship-to-objective maneuvers and sustained operations ashore.
- The Navy is also slated to get 48 MV-22s, which could be used for fleet logistic support and search and rescue.
- The Air Force Special Operations Command will acquire 50 CV-22 variants, with enhanced capabilities tailored for their unique mission requirements. The CV-22 will reach initial operational capability in 2009, while the Marines’ variant will be ready to deploy in late 2007.
- The first operational Marine Osprey squadron, VMM-263, stood up at New River,NC, on March 3, 2006, with many of its pilots going through training now at VMMT-204.?The first operational AFSOC unit to receive the CV-22 is the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL, on November 16, 2006.

February 4th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I was just chatting with my friend about this the other day at lunch . Don’t remember how in the world we got on the topic actually , they brought it up. I do recall eating a amazing fruit salad with cranberries on it. I digress…
March 13th, 2010 at 3:27 am
Too cool! Bookmarking your blog and am going to start working through the archives as soon as I get time. Glad there’s someone out there writing about this with your attitude and honesty.
March 14th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I like the first point you made there, but I am not sure I could reasonably apply that in a contructive way.