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 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 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) |
