Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey

The Bell‑Boeing V‑22 Osprey is a revolutionary tilt‑rotor aircraft that blends the vertical‑takeoff capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop airplane. Development began in the early 1980s under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint-service Vertical Lift program, aiming to replace separate helicopter and fixed‑wing fleets. After a protracted testing phase marked by several high‑profile accidents, the Osprey achieved certification in 2007 and entered operational service with the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. Its distinctive rotors pivot from a vertical to a horizontal position, enabling vertical take‑off, hover, and short‑runway landings while cruising at up to 350 knots with a range exceeding 2,600 nautical miles. Powered by two Rolls‑Royce AE 1107C turboshaft engines, the aircraft can carry up to 24 combat troops or 7,500 pounds of cargo, and it can be equipped with precision‑guided weapons, defensive systems, and advanced avionics. The V‑22’s versatility has reshaped expeditionary warfare, providing rapid intra‑theater mobility and reducing the logistical footprint of forward‑deployed forces. Its success paved the way for future tilt‑rotor concepts, cementing its place as a milestone in modern aviation.

Boeing

Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey

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Design & Classification