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In what marks a coup for the air show organisers,
RIAT are expecting America's new V-22 Osprey to attend RIAT 2006 at
RAF Fairford next July. A cross between a helicopter and a
regular fixed wing aircraft, the V-22 represents the next generation
of vertical lift utility aircraft. |
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The V-22 Osprey was the first aircraft designed from the beginning to support the needs of all four of America's armed forces. It can carry 24 combat troops or up to 20,000lbs of cargo at twice the speed of a conventional helicopter. Capable of supporting the assault troops of the Marine Corps and providing the US Navy with logistical support, the V-22 will give the US Air Forces Special Operations Command new capabilities. |
| The V-22 is a tiltrotar aircraft which takes off
and lands like a normal helicopter but once airborne can transform
into a traditional turboprop aircraft capable of higher altitudes
and airspeeds. Normal flight will see the Osprey reach 275
knots and a maximum height of 26,000ft. The aircraft's crew of
two will also be able to perform combat assaults up to 515 miles
away from their forward operation locations. For more information on Boeing's V-22 check out their V-22 web site here |
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