GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With a flight line that is used for running physical fitness tests it is understandable why many came out to see the CV-22 Osprey land on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 11, 2018
The Osprey carried members from the 20th Special Operations Squadron as well as the 56th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, which were on hand to answer questions and provide a tour of the aircraft.
Goodfellow intelligence trainees were shown what they may work on in the future and also joined a question and answer session as well as other opportunities allowing them to a see how they fit into the Air Force’s strategic goals.
The Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.
This versatile, self-deployable aircraft offers increased speed and range over other rotary-wing aircraft, enabling Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews to execute long-range special operations missions. The Osprey can perform missions that normally would require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The Osprey takes off vertically and, once airborne, the nacelles (engine and prop-rotor group) on each wing can rotate into a forward position.
The Osprey is equipped with integrated threat countermeasures, terrain-following radar, forward-looking infrared sensor and other advanced avionics systems that allow it to operate at low altitude in adverse weather conditions and medium- to high-threat environments.
The Osprey is the Special Operation Forces variant of the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. The first two test aircraft were delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in September 2000. The 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M., began Osprey aircrew training with the first two production aircraft in August 2006.
The first operational Osprey was delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command in January 2007. Initial operational capability was achieved in 2009. A total of 51 Osprey aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019.