Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an aircraft of American Air force which is designed to combine the functionality of a helicopter AND A turboprop aircraft. The osprey is the world's first production TILTROTOR aircraft, with one three-bladed prop rotor, turboprop engine, and transmission nacelle mounted on each wingtip.

V22 OSPREY

DESIGN AND FEATURES:

THE AIRCRAFT IS DESIGNED TO MEET BOTH THE CAPABILITIES OF HELICOPTER AND TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT.

1.  For Takeoff And Landing, It Typically Operates As A Helicopter With The Nacelles vertical and rotors horizontal.

2.  Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90° in as little as 12 seconds for horizontal flight, converting the V-22 to a more fuel efficient, higher speed turboprop aircraft.

3.  FOR STOL (SHORT TAKEOFF AND LANDING) rolling-takeoff and landing capability is achieved by having the nacelles tilted forward up to 45°.

V22 OPSREY

The V-22's two engines are connected by drive shafts to a common center gearbox so that one engine can power both proprotors if an engine failure occurs. However, if a proprotor gearbox fails that proprotor cannot be feathered, and both engines must be stopped before an emergency landing. The aircraft's autorotation characteristics are poor partly because the rotors have low inertia.

The V-22 is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensor and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments. 

The osprey’s Work has been split evenly between Bell and Boeing. Bell Helicopter manufactures and integrates the wing, nacelles, rotors, drive system, tail surfaces, and aft ramp, as well as integrates the Rolls-Royce engines and performs final assembly. Boeing Helicopters manufactures and integrates the fuselage, cockpit, avionics, and flight controls.

THE V-22 OSPREY PROVIDES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES OFFERING:

·        Increased speed because it's twice as fast as a helicopter.

·        Much longer range resulting in greater mission versatility than a helicopter.

·        Multi-mission capability: amphibious assault, combat support, long-range special ops infiltration and exfiltration, transport, search and rescue, medevac, and, in the future, tanker capability.

THE V-22 OSPREY AIRCRAFT:

·        Can transport 24 combat troops, 20,000 pounds of internal or up to 15,000 pounds of external cargo using its medium lift and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities

·        Meets U.S. navy requirements for combat search and rescue, fleet logistics support, and special warfare support

·        Matches the U.S. Special operations command's requirement for a high-speed, long-range, vertical lift aircraft

·        Can be stored aboard an aircraft carrier or assault ship because the rotors can fold and the wings rotate

·        Has air-to-air refueling capability, the cornerstone of the ability to self-deploy

V22'S COCKPIT

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Special operations forces long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply 
Crew: Four (pilot, copilot and two flight engineers)
Power Plant: Two Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C turbo shaft engines
Thrust: More than 6,200 shaft horsepower per engine
Wingspan: 84 feet, 7 inches (25.8 meters)
Length: 57 feet, 4 inches (17.4 meters)
Height: 22 feet, 1 inch (6.73 meters)
Speed: 277 miles per hour (241 knots) (cruising speed)
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)
Maximum Vertical Takeoff Weight: 52,870 pounds (23,982 kilograms)
Maximum Rolling Takeoff Weight: 60,500 pounds (27,443 kilograms)
Armament: 1 x .50 Cal Machine gun on ramp
Range: combat radius of 500 nautical miles with 1 internal auxiliary fuel tank ; unlimited range with aerial refueling
Payload: 24 troops (seated), 32 troops (floor loaded) or 10,000 pounds of cargo Unit cost: $89 million (fiscal 2005 dollars)