CV-22 Osprey
The CV-222 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.
MH-53 Pavelows 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 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
Currently, USAF CV-22s are unarmed. USMC MV-22s feature a M240 7.62mm belt-fed machine gun mounted on a quick-collapse turret at the rear ramp. Development of a steerable gun turret for the CV-22's nose is underway.
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| The CV-22's rotors can be folded in order to reduce the space needed to stow the aircraft.
U.S. Air Force photo/Greg Allen |
2 Navy SEALs are hoisted up to the rear ramp of a CV-22
The winch can lift up to 600lbs.
U.S. Air Force 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) |
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 Links & Resources
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