It all started back in 1981 when Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters were given the task to build this multi-mission military airship. Both teams joined forces and after several years of painstaking work, in 1989 the V 22 made its first flight. However, due to the fact that this is the first Tiltrotor made for the purpose of the US military and the complexity of the airship itself, there were many years needed to fully develop this aircraft.
The V 22 is finally used by the US Air Force for the first time in 2009 in combat and rescue missions in the Middle East and Libya. The Osprey Tiltrotor is powered by two Rolls Royce AE 1107C motors that are linked with a driveshaft so if one engine fails, the other can both proprotors. When this airship has to take-off or land it is in a helicopter mode. But when it is up in the air the nacelles turn forward for 90 degrees and in 12 seconds the Osprey is transformed from a helicopter into a plane! Also, when it is operating as a plane, it is more fuel efficient too. Additionally, almost half of the airframe is made from composite materials.
At last, click here if you want to witness the Aeromobil – the first Propeller-Driven Roadable Aircraft! Wow!
