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CV-22 Osprey

The CV-22 Osprey is a unique tilt-rotor aircraft that has recently entered service with USAF Special Operations Squadrons. The CV-22 is a more sophisticated version of the MV-22 as operated by the United States Marine Corps. CV-22 Ospreys are operated by the 8th Special Operations Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Florida.

CV-22 Osprey - Roles

USAF Special Ops use the CV-22 for:

  • insertion/extraction/resupply of special operations forces
  • combat search and rescue
cv-22 osprey in flight

CV-22 Osprey Features

The most remarkable feature of the CV-22 is its tilt-rotor design which allows it to hover and take off and land vertically in addition to transferring to high speed horizontal flight. This design gives the CV-22 the flexibility of the helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop cargo plane.

For Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions, the CV-22 features:

  • rope ladder rig
  • fast rope rig
  • rescue winch
  • survivor locator

CV-22 Avionics

USAF CV-22s are fitted with a advanced set of avionics, including:

  • AN/APQ-174D Multi-Mode Radar
    • Terrain Following
    • Terrain Avoidance
    • Ground Mapping
    • Weather Avoidance
  • AN/AAQ-16B/D FLIR Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) pod - facilitating all-weather, day/night flying
  • Integrated GPS/Inertial navigation systems -allows for highly accurate navigation

Defensive countermeasures include:

  • AN/ALQ-211 radar warning receiver and integrated radar jamming system
  • AAQ-24 Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system
  • AN/ALE-47 Chaff/Flare Dispenser

The CV-22 features a suite of aircraft management systems that displays data from the various sensors and control systems onto 4 Multi-function Displays (MFDs) and 2  Control Display Units linked to keyboards.

CV-22 Weapons

AFSOC CV-22s feature a collapsible mount at the rear ramp which can accommodate a M240 7.62mm or M2 12.7mm (.50) machine gun. A retractable, remotely-operated turret with a 360 degree field of operation ,and capable of housing a GAU-17 minigun, can be fitted in the Osprey's belly if so required.

cv-22 folded rotors
The CV-22's rotors can be folded in order to reduce the space needed to stow the aircraft.
U.S.A.F. photo: Greg Allen
cv-22 - hoist
2 Navy SEALs are hoisted up to the rear ramp of a CV-22 The winch can lift up to 600lbs..
U.S.A.F. photo: Senior Airman Andy M. Kin
 

CV-22 Osprey Specifications

Crew Pilot, Co-pilot + 2 flight engineers
Engines 2x Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C turboshaft engines
Dimensions L - 17.4m
W (wingspan) - 25.8 meters
H - 6.73m
Weights 27,443 kg (max rolling takeoff weight)
23,982 kg (max vertical takeoff weight)
Max Speed 277 mph (cruising speed)
Ceiling 25,000
Range 2,100 nm - with internal auxiliary fuel pods
Payload 24 troops (seated), 32 troops (floor loaded) or 10,000 pounds of cargo
Defensive systems AN/ALQ-211 RF Countermeasures (radar jamming and warning)
AAQ-24 Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system
AN/ALE-47 Chaff/Flare Dispenser
Avionics Sensors:
   AN/APQ-174D Multi-Mode Radar
   AN/AAQ-16B/D FLIR
   Radar Altimeter
   Survivor Locator (SL)
   AVR-2A Laser Warning Receiver
Navigation:
   Integrated Navigation Suite:
      (Global Positioning System (GPS)
      Triply redundant inertial navigation system (INS)
   Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (MATT)
   Enhanced Digital Map
Communications:
   4x DCS 2000 Radios:
      (VHF FM/AM, UHF, SATCOM, crypto, secure voice)
Aircraft management:
   Glass cockpit
   4 MFD color displays
   Two Control Display Units (CDU) with keyboard
   Engine Instrument Crew Alerting System (EICAS)


CV-22 Osprey in hover
USAF Special Tactics Airmen fast-rope from the rear ramp of a CV-22 Osprey.
US Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery

CV-22 Osprey Resources

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Featured CV-22 OSPREY Photo
CV-22 Osprey
An CV-22 Osprey takes off
(click photo for fullsize image)
more USAF Special Operations Aircraft photos


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