Split-personality aircraft joins air display line-up

A CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing hovers above a set of mattress pads during emergency landing training at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Oct. 19, 2020. CV-22 aircrew and 752nd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainers conducted the training to enhance readiness and emphasize safety in the event of landing-gear malfunctions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Mendez)

The $90 million Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey, with its swivel turboprop engines, can accelerate up to an airspeed of 280 knots – far quicker than its rotor-equipped counterparts – but land in areas where a runway is not available.

It can climb up to a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet, travel a maximum distance of 575 miles and carry 24 soldiers seated, 32 personnel on the floor or 10,000lbs of cargo.

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