11/12/2013: The last test CV-22 flies final sortie.
Credit: Hurlburt Field:10/31/13
As Major Hutchings, one of two pilots recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for surviving under combat fire, highlighted the USAF and USMC collaboration associated with the Osprey.
“The USAF pilots for the Ospreys train here at New River before going to New Mexico for their training specific to their systems aboard the CV-22.”
According to the USAF, the CV-22 Osprey as an Air Force system is to be understood as follows:
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104531/cv-22-osprey.aspx
Mission
The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.
Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.
Features
This versatile, self-deployable aircraft offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft, enabling Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to execute long-range special operations missions.
The CV-22 can perform missions that normally would require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
The CV-22 takes off vertically and, once airborne, the nacelles (engine and prop-rotor group) on each wing can rotate into a forward position.
The CV-22 is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensor and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments.
Background
The CV-22 is the Special Operation Forces variant of the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey.
The first two test aircraft were delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in September 2000.
The 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M., began CV-22 aircrew training with the first two production aircraft in August 2006.
The first operational CV-22 was delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command’s 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., in January 2007.
Initial operational capability was achieved in 2009.
The 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, NM, received its first CV-22 in May 2010. A total of 50 CV-22 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by 2016.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Special operations forces long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply
Power Plant: Two Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C turbo shaft engines
Thrust: More than 6,200 shaft horsepower per engine
Wingspan: 84 feet, 7 inches (25.8 meters)
Length: 57 feet, 4 inches (17.4 meters)
Height: 22 feet, 1 inch (6.73 meters)
Rotary Diameter: 38 feet (11.6 meters)
Speed: 277 miles per hour (241 knots) (cruising speed)
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
Maximum Vertical Takeoff Weight: 52,870 pounds (23,982 kilograms)
Maximum Rolling Takeoff Weight: 60,500 pounds (27,443 kilograms)
Armament: 1 x .50 Cal Machine gun on ramp
Range: combat radius of 500 nautical miles with 1 internal auxiliary fuel tank ; unlimited range with aerial refueling
Payload: 24 troops (seated), 32 troops (floor loaded) or 10,000 pounds of cargo Unit cost: $89 million (fiscal 2005 dollars)
Crew: Four (pilot, copilot and two flight engineers)
Builders: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Amarillo, Texas; Boeing Company, Defense and Space Group, Helicopter Division, Philadelphia
Deployment Date: 2006
Inventory: Active duty, 17; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0