Monday, November 14, 2011
MV-22 Osprey
A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey lifts off a runway here. The MV-22 is a tilt-rotor aircraft. When turned toward the sky, the two wing-mounted rotors on the craft allow for a vertical takeoff like a helicopter. When turned forward, the craft flies as an airplane. Air Force officials plan to purchase as many as 50 CV-22 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez)
MV-22 Osprey
A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey lands here April 2 on its way to an air show at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Air Force Special Operations Command is expected to get 50 CV-22s, an Air Force-modified version of the MV-22, starting November 2006. Designed to conduct long-range missions, the tilt-rotor aircraft offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft. Two CV-22s are currently at Edwards AFB, Calif., undergoing operational testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Davis)