CV-22 Osprey

The CV-22 Osprey is a modified variant of the USMC MV-22B used by USAF Special Operations Squadrons for insertion / extraction and re supply of special operations forces such as Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs.

A CV-22 Osprey with rotors in vertical-flight configuration

The Osprey features a unique tilt-rotor design which enables it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter but also fly at speeds comparable to fixed-wing aircraft. This capability is ideal for supporting special operations when the need to infil and exfil at high speed is paramount.

The main difference between the USAF CV-22 and its Marines Corps cousin, the MV-22B, is the more sophisticated avionics found on the CV-22. With its special operations role, the CV-22 carries a number of navigation, threat detection and countermeasures gear to enable it to infiltrate and survive in enemy airspace.

The CV-22 can carry up to 24 special operations personnel or up to 10,000lbs of cargo.

CV-22 Osprey Specifications

A pair of US Navy SEALs are hoisted up to a CV-22. The Osprey's hoist can lift up to 600lbs.

The CV-22 features a probe that allows for in-flight refueling from tankers such as the AFSOC MC-130P.

A soldier drives an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) of the type used by Special Forces down the rear ramp of a CV-22.

CV-22 OSPREY FEATURES tilt-rotor design rescue hoist capable of lifting 600lbs FLIR sensor mid-air refueling capability night vision compatible glass cockpit featuring multi-function displays (MFDs) defensive countermeasures encrypted communications integrated navigation suite

A USAF CV-22 Osprey flies with a MH-53 Pavelow helicopter. The Osprey has replaced the MH-53 Pavelow within Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and its Special Operations Squadrons. Unlike the MH-53, or the USMC MV-22B, the USAF CV-22 is not currently armed. There are plans, however, to fit the aircraft with some sort of gun pod or turret in the near future.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julianne Showalter

CV-22 OSPREY PHOTOS :

(click thumbnails for fullsize images)
photo gallery : CV-22 / MV-22 Ospreys

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