TERRIFIC TILTROTOR

DRIVING THE V-22 OSPREY

- TED CARLSON

The Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey has now been serving in the USMC ranks for over two decades. Combat-tested, the ubiquitous Marine Corps Ospreys are found on the U.S. West Coast, East Coast, Hawaii, Japan, and in combat theaters of operations. Well over 300 MV-22Bs are in service with the Marines, with their formal mission being the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies from ships and land bases for combat assault and assault support. On a smaller numbers scale with 51 aircraft, U.S. Air Force Special Operations flies the CV-22B version. The primary CV-22B mission is conducting long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions. Not unlike other programs, the Osprey was born in controversy, including its high cost coupled with a few tragic accidents. Simply put, the Osprey’s revolutionary design meant higher risk and financial expenditure until it stabilized. After a multitude of changes were made to the aircraft, the Osprey completed the teething process and is currently an important component of the U.S. military armada. The Osprey changed how the military does some of its business.

The Osprey Today