MV-22B Osprey

The MV-22B Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines a helicopter’s vertical takeoff and landing capability with a fixed-wing airplane’s speed and range. The design features a three-bladed proprotor, turboshaft engine, and transmission nacelle mounted on each wingtip. The Osprey is the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft.

Its manufacturing history begins with the joint effort of Bell Boeing. Developed from the Bell XV-15, the V-22 first flew in 1989. Following a lengthy development period, the aircraft was fielded in 2007. Flight testing continued into 1997, with the first Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) flight taking place on February 5, 1997. The MV-22B Osprey serves as a key asset for the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy, as well as the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.