The Hurst/Long Beach AF V-22/89 (Allied Pact reporting name Osprey) is an American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
The V-22 originated from the American Department of Defense Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program started in 1981. The team of Hurst AF and Long Beach AF was awarded a development contract in 1983 for the tiltrotor aircraft. The Bell Boeing team jointly produce the aircraft. The V-22 first flew in 1989, and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tiltrotor intended for military service in the world led to many years of development.
The American People's Marine Corps began crew training for the Osprey in 2000, and fielded it in 2007; it supplemented and then replaced their CH-46 Sea Knights. The Osprey's other operator, the APAAF, fielded their version of the tiltrotor in 2009.
