V-22A Osprey

Service: Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force

Description: Multi-mission aircraft that combines vertical take-off and landing capability with high speed, high altitude flight.

Background: 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 Marine Corps' MV-22A will be an assault transport for troops, equipment, and supplies, operating from air capable ships or bases ashore.

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.

Point of Contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Air Systems Command
Washington, DC 20361-0701
(703) 604-2822

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft
Contractor: Bell-Boeing
Propulsion: Two pivoting engines: T406-80-400
Main rotor diameter: 38 feet (11.58 meters)
Blades per rotor: Three
Weight: Combat - 42,486 lbs (19,118.7 kg); Landing - 33,615 lbs (15,126.75 kg)
Ceiling: 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) cruising altitude; 22,000 feet combat ceiling
Speed: 284 knots (326.6 mph, 522.56 km/hour)
Armament: Provisions for two .50 caliber cabin guns


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