The V-22 Osprey "tilt-rotor" is a uniqul multimission aircraft capable of vertical and short takeoff and landing. Typically, it takes off and lands like a helicopter. However, when airborne, its engine nacelles and 38-foot, three-bladed proprotors can rotate forward 90 degrees for horizontal flight, converting the Bell Boeing aircraft into a more fuel-efficient, higher-speed turboprop aircraft. The US Marine Corps was the lead service in development of the Osprey and has acquired the largest number. The USMC variant, the MV-22, serves as an assault transport for troops, equipment, and supplies and can operate equally well from ships at sea or expeditionary airfields ashore. The Air Force variant, the CV-22, is used by Special Operations Command for long-range insert and extraction. CV-22 is equipped with extra fuel tanks and integrated threat countermeasures, as well as terrain-following radar and advanced avionic systems that allow it to operate at low altitude, at night, in poor weather, and in high-threat areas. It has been used operationally for long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for SOF of all services.
展开▼
