Home Entertainment The ‘sea eagle’ CV-22 Osprey is highly versatile, capable of both vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter and horizontal flight at high speeds like a fixed-wing aircraft

The ‘sea eagle’ CV-22 Osprey is highly versatile, capable of both vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter and horizontal flight at high speeds like a fixed-wing aircraft

Entertainment — 03/21/2024

The CV-22 Osprey is the variant of the V-22 tiltrotor transport aircraft designated for special operations by the U.S. Air Force. It is equipped with flight control systems and enhancements that allow it to operate in high-risk combat environments, extricate and reposition special operations forces behind enemy lines, and rescue downed pilots.

This multipurpose, self-deploying aircraft provides superior velocity and range in comparison to alternative rotary-wing aircraft, thereby empowering aircrews of the Air Force Special Operations Command to carry out extended special operations missions. CV-22s are capable of carrying out missions that would ordinarily demand both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. After vertical takeoff, the CV-22 is capable of rotating the nacelles (comprising the engine and prop-rotor group) on each wing to face forward.

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Integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, a forward-looking infrared sensor, and additional sophisticated avionics systems enable the CV-22 to operate at low altitude in environments with moderate to high threat and adverse weather conditions.

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In September 2000, the initial pair of demonstration aircraft were transferred to Edwards Air Force Base, California. In August 2006, the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, initiated CV-22 aircrew training using the initial two production aircraft.

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140825-N-KL846-113SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 24, 2014) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced) launches from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is on a deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing security and stability in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Lindahl/Released)

In January 2007, the initial operational CV-22 was transferred to the 1st Special Operations Wing of Air Force Special Operations Command, located at Hurlburt Field, Florida. In 2009, the initial operational capability was attained. In May 2010, the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, was issued its initial CV-22. By 2016, a cumulative count of 50 CV-22 aircraft is slated for delivery.

In 2010, while conducting a mission in Afghanistan with 19 Army Rangers, a CV-22 crashed, resulting in the deaths of four individuals: the pilot, a Ranger, a CV-22 flight engineer, and an Afghan interpreter. In June 2012, an additional CV-22 collided while undergoing training at Hurlburt Field, Florida. While no lives were lost in the collision, the aircraft was irreparably damaged.