BLUF

The new CMV-22B Osprey only reached its initial operational capability (IOC) rating seven months ago. Still, already it has been described as a ‘game-changer’ because of its range, payload and mission flexibility.

Summary

This article by Howard Altman, writing for The Drive, makes the following points:
  • The CMV-22B is an adaptation of the MV-22B used by the US Marine Corps as its standard medium-lift assault support aircraft.
  • The aircraft was designed to replace the Navy’s existing C-2A Greyhound  Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft, a twin-engine, propeller-driven design that first entered service in the mid-1960s.
  • Powered by two Rolls-Royce Liberty engines, the Osprey has a range of about 1,150 nautical miles with a 6,000-pound internal payload.
  • The CMV-22B is also capable of aerial refuelling, while the C-2 is not.
  • The US Navy currently plans to procure 44 of these aircraft from Bell-Boeing.

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