Top Document: rec.aviation.military Frequently Asked Questions (part 1 of 5) Previous Document: B.1. A/F-X Next Document: B.3. Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge The tilt-rotor programme began with Bell's XV-15 technology demonstrator. A tilt-rotor multimission aircraft was commissioned under the title JVX (Joint VTOL X); the aircraft, developed jointly by Bell Helicopter Textron and Boeing Vertol, was later designated V-22 Osprey. The first prototype flew on 19 March 1989; development has been interrupted by the destruction of two of the prototypes in crashes. Despite attempts by the US Secretary of Defence to have the programme halted in favour of conventional helicopters and transport aircraft, the Osprey has survived several rounds of budget cutting, thanks mainly to lobbying by the US Marine Corps. The first production aircraft is expected to fly in December 1996. Current production plans consist of 552 MV-22A assault transports for the USMC, 50 HV-22A combat rescue aircraft for the US Navy, and 55 CV-22A special mission transports for the Special Operations Forces. The US Army's original requirement for 251 of the transport version has been deferred, but not irrevocably cancelled. Japan is expected to order four search and rescue aircraft, and is considering the V-22 for the anti-submarine role. Vital statistics (MV-22A): length 19.09 m, span 14.36 m, empty weight 14463 kg, max weight 27442 kg, max speed 556 km/h, range 3892 km, payload 9072 kg; power plant: two 4586 kW Allison T406-AD-400 turboshafts. User Contributions:Top Document: rec.aviation.military Frequently Asked Questions (part 1 of 5) Previous Document: B.1. A/F-X Next Document: B.3. Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: avfaq@meanmach.actrix.gen.nz
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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