MV-22B.

Technical Data

• Design

  The MV-22B uses a high-mounted wing with two rotating nacelles, each mounting a three-bladed proprotor of 11.6 m (38 ft) diameter. The aircraft’s total rotor span is 25.55 m (83 ft 10 in). The fuselage is constructed from corrosion-resistant composite materials, reducing weight and enhancing durability in maritime operations.

  The pressurized cargo bay measures approximately 6.1 m × 1.68 m × 1.83 m (20 ft × 5.5 ft × 6 ft) and can carry 24 fully equipped troops or up to 32 floor-seated personnel. The aircraft can transport 4,100 kg (9,000 lb) internally or 4,500 kg (10,000 lb) externally via a cargo hook.

  It features a rear ramp with clamshell doors and a port-side crew access door with a retractable ladder. Emergency exits and jettisonable windows are included. The cockpit seats two pilots, with a crew chief/loadmaster in the cabin. A retractable tricycle landing gear system allows operations from both rough fields and ship decks.

  An automated folding mechanism for the wings and nacelles allows compact storage, completing in under 90 seconds.
  
  Sustained field use has shown that the MV-22B’s tiltrotor architecture, while mechanically complex, provides a level of mobility unmatched by traditional designs. The aircraft’s nacelle-rotation system integrates multiple gearboxes and drive shafts that enable high-power transmission during both helicopter and airplane modes. Marine crews operating from amphibious assault ships often note that precise management of nacelle angles during takeoff and landing is essential for safety in confined deck environments, highlighting both the system’s sophistication and its operational learning curve.

• Avionics and Onboard Equipment

  The MV-22B incorporates an Integrated Avionics System (IAS) with a glass cockpit including four multifunction displays (MFDs), NVG-compatible head-up displays (HUDs), and optional helmet-mounted displays (HMDs). These present real-time navigation, system status, and mission data.

  Flight control is managed by a triple-redundant fly-by-wire system with automatic reconfiguration in the event of system failures. Navigation is based on GPS/INS, with support for TACAN, VOR/ILS, and digital terrain databases.

  The mission system supports high-speed data sharing via data transfer units like Mercury Systems’ ARRHG, enabling integration of tactical data, video, and communication feeds. The aircraft uses secure UHF/VHF radios, SATCOM, and tactical data links compatible with Blue Force Tracking.

  For defense, the MV-22B is equipped with missile warning receivers (MWS), radar warning receivers (RWR), flare/chaff dispensers, and infrared exhaust suppressors. These are integrated into the flight and threat management systems for coordinated responses.

• Engine

  The MV-22B is powered by 2 × Rolls-Royce AE 1107C Liberty turboshaft engines, each generating 4,590 kW (6,150 shp). A cross-shaft between the nacelles allows one engine to drive both rotors if necessary.

  In helicopter mode, the aircraft can hover and land vertically. In airplane mode, it cruises at 500 km/h (270 kt) and has a maximum speed of 565 km/h (305 kt). The MV-22B has a service ceiling of 7,620 m (25,000 ft), meaning it can sustain flight at that altitude with a minimal rate of climb. This represents its maximum operational ceiling under standard conditions. The combat radius is 830 km (450 nmi), while its ferry range exceeds 1,630 km (880 nmi). Aerial refueling extends both mission reach and endurance.
  
  While the aircraft’s maximum cruise speed and range remain among the highest of any vertical-lift platform, actual mission profiles often require power management to balance load, environmental conditions, and refueling availability. In hot climates or during heavy-lift missions, crews typically adjust conversion timing and throttle settings to maintain gearbox temperatures within safe limits, reflecting the practical considerations that influence real-world performance beyond theoretical specifications.

• Armament

  The MV-22B is not intended for offensive roles but can be armed for self-defense. It typically mounts an M240B (7.62 mm) or M2 (.50 cal) machine gun on the rear ramp. Selected aircraft feature the Interim Defensive Weapon System (IDWS), using a remotely operated belly-mounted GAU-17/A minigun turret, providing 360-degree suppressive coverage.
  
  Although the MV-22B can be fitted with a belly turret or ramp-mounted machine gun, its defensive armament is intentionally limited to preserve weight and mission range. As a result, the aircraft typically operates with escort support when facing high-threat environments. Its effectiveness therefore depends not only on its onboard systems but also on integrated mission planning with attack helicopters, UAV reconnaissance, and naval surface-to-air coverage during amphibious operations.