CV-22 OSPREY
Mission
The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.
Features
This versatile, self-deployable aircraft offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft, enabling Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to execute long-range special operations missions. The CV-22 can perform missions that normally would require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The CV-22 takes off vertically and, once airborne, the nacelles (engine and prop-rotor group) on each wing can rotate into a forward position
The CV-22 is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensor, and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments.
Background
The CV-22 is an Air Force-modified version of the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. The first two Air Force test aircraft were delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in September 2000, for flight testing. The 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M., began CV-22 aircrew training with the first two production aircraft in August 2006.
The first operational CV-22 was delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command's 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., January 2007. Initial operating capability is scheduled for 2009 with a total of 50 CV-22 aircraft delivered by 2017.
General Characteristics
Primary function: Special operations forces long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply
Contractors: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., and Boeing Company, Defense and Space Group, Helicopter Division
Power Plant: Two Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C turboshaft engines
Thrust: More than 6,200 shaft horsepower per engine
Wingspan: 84 feet, 7 inches (25.8 meters)
Length: 57 feet, 4 inches (17.4 meters)
Height: 22 feet, 1 inch (6.73 meters)
Rotary Diameter: 38 feet (11.6 meters)
Speed: 277 miles per hour (241 knots) (cruising speed)
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
Maximum Vertical Takeoff Weight: 52,870 pounds (23,982 kilograms)
Maximum Rolling Takeoff Weight: 60,500 pounds (27,443 kilograms)
Range: : 2,100 nautical miles with internal auxiliary fuel tanks
Payload: 24 troops (seated), 32 troops (floor loaded) or 10,000 pounds of cargo
Unit cost: $89 million (fiscal 2005 dollars)
Crew: Four (pilot, copilot and two enlisted flight engineers)
Date Deployed: 2006 (with projected initial operational capability in 2009)
Inventory: Active force, 3 (testing)
Point of Contact
Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office; 229 Cody Ave.; Hurlburt Field, Fla. 32544-5273; DSN 579-5515 or 850-884-5515.
November 2007
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