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V-22 Osprey |
An MV-22 Osprey is refueled before a night
mission in Iraq. |
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.
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.
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.
Service
Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force
General Characteristics
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).
(Source: U.S. Navy) |
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