Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey

Bell Textron / Boeing · United States · first flew 1989 · transport aircraft

The MV-22B Osprey is the US Marine Corps tiltrotor assault transport variant of the Bell Boeing V-22, capable of helicopter-style vertical takeoff and fixed-wing cruise flight.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Tiltrotor with wing-tip proprotors that rotate 90° for vertical takeoff
• Marine Corps assault transport variant of the V-22
• High straight wing with large nacelles at each tip

Unmistakable tiltrotor planform: high straight wing with two enormous proprotors at the wingtips that rotate upward for cruise; fuselage resembles a conventional transport but the wing-tip nacelles dominate the silhouette.

Specifications

• The Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey has a length of 17.48 m (57 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 509 km/h (316 mph).
• Typical crew: 3 + 24 troops.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Development of the V-22 began in the early 1980s under the Joint Multi-Mission Medium Tiltrotor (JVX) programme; the MV-22 entered USMC service in 2007, replacing the CH-46 Sea Knight in the medium assault transport role. It has been deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous humanitarian operations.

Variants

The MV-22B is the primary USMC variant; related models include the CV-22B (USAF special operations), CMV-22B (US Navy carrier onboard delivery), and HV-22 (proposed Navy SAR variant, not produced).

Where you'll see it

Widely operated by the USMC from amphibious ships and shore bases; the US Air Force flies CV-22Bs for special operations, and Japan operates the V-22 under the MV-22 designation.

Related aircraft

• Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
• P.166DP1
• An-225 Mriya
• Basler BT-67

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