Modern - V-22 Osprey

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, military, tilt rotor aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing capability. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

The V-22 originated from the United States Department of Defence Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental aircraft program started in 1981. The team of Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters was awarded a development contracting 1983 for the tilt rotor aircraft. The Bell Boeing team jointly produce the aircraft. The V-22 first flew in 1989, and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tilt rotor intended for military service in the world led to many years of development.

The United States Marine Corps began crew training for the Osprey in 2000, and fielded it in 2007; it supplemented and then replaced their Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knights. The Osprey’s other operator, the U.S. Airforce, fielded their version of the tilt rotor in 2009. Since entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force, the Osprey has been deployed in both combat and rescue operations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Libya.