V-22 "Osprey" - U.S. Navy photo

For the first time, the V-22 “Osprey,” one of the most unique aircraft flown by the U.S. military, will be making an appearance at EAA AirVenture and showcasing its unique flying abilities at “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” EAA AirVenture 2008 is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The V-22, developed jointly by Bell and Boeing, is the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft. It is flown primarily by the U.S. Marine Corps and is designed to serve effectively on missions that had been covered by either helicopters or twin turboprop aircraft. The two Ospreys are scheduled to arrive at EAA AirVenture on Monday, July 28, during the event’s opening-day air show, and remain until Friday, August 1. The appearance will feature both flight demonstrations and ground displays of the aircraft, which are based at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina.

“The V-22 Osprey is one of the few U.S. military aircraft that had never appeared at EAA AirVenture, so we’re very pleased to change that status in 2008,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “This aircraft operates like none other and is sure to be a very popular sight for the hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts that come to Oshkosh.”

The U.S. Navy and Air Force also operate the V-22, which is designed for missions ranging from assault transport and search-and-rescue to special operations uses. The versatility of the Osprey allows it to take off and land similar to a helicopter, then turn its rotors 90 degrees to serve as a high-speed turboprop airplane. Its wings also rotate for compact storage aboard ships.

The V-22, which first flew in 1989, is the latest addition to the large and diverse gathering of current military that flies to EAA AirVenture each year. Those aircraft provide flying demonstrations and ground exhibits for AirVenture attendees, and helps make the wide spectrum of aircraft that gather for public display at Oshkosh unmatched anywhere else in the world.