V-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor Aircraft
Abstract
The V-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft that takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter and flies like a plane by tilting its wing-mounted rotors to function as propellers. Combining a helicopter's operational flexibility with the greater speed, range, and efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft, the V-22 can perform such missions as troop/cargo transport, amphibious assault, special operations, and search and rescue operations. Begun in FYl982 by the Army and now funded in part by the Air Force, the V-22 has been primarily a Marine Corps program funded by the Navy Department. The aircraft is produced by Bell Helicopter Textron and Boeing Helicopters, with engines produced by Rolls-Royce/Allison. Flight testing and operational evaluation of pre-production V-22s began in early 1997, with procurement of production aircraft approved in April 1997. The future of the aircraft was at issue in 1989-92, when Secretary of Defense Cheney sought to cancel the program on grounds of affordability. Congress continued to find the program, however, and through FY2000 some $ 10 billion was provided for the program, which as of December 31, 1999, was estimated by the Defense Department to cost some $38.1 billion to develop and produce 458 aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA477814
Entities
People
- Christopher Bolkcom
Organizations
- Library of Congress