Ospreys To Oshkosh!

For the first time, the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, one of the most unique aircraft flown by the US military, will make an appearance at EAA AirVenture to showcase 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 flown primarily by the US 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, NC.

"The V-22 Osprey is one of the few US 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 US 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 first flew in 1989... but had a decidedly rocky development history. The tiltrotors have served in Iraq since last year.

The Osprey is the latest addition to the large and diverse gathering of current military that flies to EAA AirVenture each year.

www.airventure.org, www.eaa.org