The story
The V-22 Osprey tilts its rotors to take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It was controversial, expensive and took decades to develop, and it became the world's first production tiltrotor.
Cruising at up to 275 knots, the Osprey flies roughly twice as fast as the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters it replaced in Marine Corps service.
Quick answers
How do you identify a V-22 Osprey?
Two huge rotors on tilting nacelles at the wingtips and twin tail fins. In airplane mode it looks like an oversized turboprop; in helicopter mode the nacelles point straight up.
What does a V-22 Osprey sound like?
Tiltrotor — sounds like a helicopter AND a turboprop depending on the mode. In hover, a deep, heavy thump.
How fast is the V-22 Osprey?
Top speed is 275 kts.
How far can the V-22 Osprey fly?
Range is about 879 nmi.
How big is the V-22 Osprey?
It is 57 ft 4 in long and 84 ft 7 in (rotor tip to tip) across the rotor.
When did the V-22 Osprey first fly?
Its first flight was in 1989.
How many V-22 Ospreys have been built?
450+ built.
How rare is a V-22 Osprey in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first V-22 Osprey catch is worth 1,000 points.
