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After a long and troubled (and a might bit expensive) development period the
MV-22 Osprey is finally entering active service with the United States Marine Corps. Back in 1977 when the Bell XV-15
first flew, the tilt rotor concept began to gain popular appeal. As the Department of Defense went looking for proposals
for the initial V-22 in its 1981 Joint Services Vertical (JVX), who would have imagined that it would take over 20 years to
get this technology into production service.
Shown at the 2004 Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base was this example
of the MV-22B Osprey. It is a modern engineering marvel with upwards of 70% of its structural components made from composite
materials. In forward flight it can achieve over 300 mph, yet when the need arises it can hover like a helicopter.
Above: The left side of the MV-22B Osprey. The engines are partially rotated from the
vertical. It appears that the crew’s courtesy van could have been stored in the cargo compartment.
Another view of the left side of the Osprey.
The crew entry door is located on the right side of the aircraft just
behind the cockpit.
A close up of the Osprey cockpit area. Note the radar warning sensor
on the left side. The refuelling boom can just be seen at the left of the photo.
From head on one can get an appreciation for the span of the rotor blades
that lift and propel this magnificent aircraft.
A closer view of one of the large side pods that house the main landing
gear.
A V-22 Osprey prototype being towed across show center at an air show
at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in the mid-1990’s. The weather was too poor for flying, but at least
the spectators got a glimpse of the future of Marine Corps aviation.
The nose of the MCAS Cherry Point Osprey showing an instrument boom where
the refuelling probe will ultimately be.
MV-22 Osprey Inside and Out Part 2
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