With its unique and distinctive tilt-rotors, the V-22 Osprey is designed as a fast troop transport and field support aircraft with helicopter-like vertical lift but also with ability to operate as an STOL with rolling takeoff and landing. Following a vertical takeoff, its two engines can rotate 90 degrees for horizontal flight. Although it was originally conceived in the late 1980's the Osprey has had a long development cycle. It only recently entered service with the US Marines in early 2007. Used mainly as a transport aircraft, it is has a fly by wire cockpit and is also fitted with a single 7.62 mm machine gun.
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