TheBell Boeing V-22 Ospreyis an American multi-mission, military,tiltrotoraircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventionalhelicopterwith the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of aturbopropaircraft.

The V-22 originated from theUnited States Department of DefenseJoint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program started in 1981. The team ofBell HelicopterandBoeing Helicopterswas awarded a development contract in 1983 for the tiltrotor aircraft. The Bell Boeing team jointly produce the aircraft.[4]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.

TheUnited States Marine Corpsbegan crew training for the Osprey in 2000, and fielded it in 2007; it is supplementing and will eventually replace theirCH-46 Sea Knights. The Osprey's other operator, theU.S. Air Force, fielded their version of the tiltrotor in 2009. Since entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force, the Osprey has been deployed in both combat and rescue operations over Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.