Plane? Or Helicopter?

One word comes to mind when thinking of the V-22 Osprey: Innovation. People first looking at the plane might not really have an idea what it is. The Osprey features two "nacelles" on either side of the aircraft. These appendages feature three-blade proprotors on each side. The osprey is the first of its kind.



The Osprey has a vertical take off, just like a helicopter. However, the innovation comes in to play next. When airborne, the nacelles rotate 90 degrees forward until it looks like a normal propeller airplane. This is more efficient than a helicopters stable rotors because it is able to function as a turboprop plane. This plane is controversial due to its high production costs and other reasons. The Osprey, which has been in development since the 80's, was once predicted to have a total project cost of 2.5 billion. Today, however, 27 billion has been spent on the project and 27 more will be needed to complete the project. During its first deployment, Time magazine called the V-22 "unsafe". However, the Osprey has proved its worth serving overseas.

The program's necessity or worth is up for debate. However, one thing remains certain: it is a technological wonder.