plans to buy 44 aircraft for its seabased logistics and carrier on-board delivery operations. In July, Japan became Boeing’s first international customer for the V-22, requesting the first five of 17 aircraft ordered, while other countries contemplate similar acquisitions. The Osprey has become the most in-demand military asset, according to Kristin Robertson, Boeing vice president and Tiltrotor Programs and Bell Boeing program director. “Other militaries around the world are watching what the U.S. is doing,” Robertson said. “We can go where others can’t. It’s really changing 20 | BOEING FRONTIERS the way wars will be fought.” Rotor nacelles are usually set at 85 degrees from horizontal for takeoff, and 60 degrees to carry speed on the runway for a rolling takeoff, especially when responding to an emergency. At rest, with the nacelles full vertical, the blade tips hang 4 feet (1.2 meters) lower than the fuselage; the engines won’t turn over until the nacelles are at 45 degrees or greater. The Osprey seats 24, but typically travels with 18 people on board. Unlike many aircraft, the pilot occupies the right seat in the cockpit, with a co-pilot to his left, and a crew chief stationed behind them, with yet another crew chief monitoring the back. Marines parachute off the open ramp at 4,500 feet (1,370 meters) or higher using a static line or freefall. For airdrops or ground unloading, cargo easily slides out the rear. Extra fuel tanks can be installed in the back of the aircraft as well. The Osprey has refueling capability with an extendable probe that protrudes from the nose of the aircraft, enabling it to connect to a C-130 tanker. As it keeps evolving, the V-22 soon will have an added capability—it will be able to refuel jet fighters and helicopters in the air
Frontiers February 2016 Issue
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