Special Operations CV-22B Osprey Crashes in Japanese Waters
File photo of a US Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey.
Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Allred
The United States Air Force Special Operations Command has confirmed a CV-22B Osprey from Yokota Air Base, Japan, has crashed into Japanese waters near Yakushima Island, on November 29th, 2023.
The special operations variant of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft was assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing and carried a crew of eight, according to a statement published by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Other versions of the Osprey are operated in the United States by the Marine Corps (MV-22 Osprey) and Navy (CMV-22B Osprey).
According to AFSOC, the tiltrotor was engaged in training at the time of the crash. No official word on the status of the crew is known as this story goes live.
AFSOC also stated that search and rescue operations are underway.
All V-22 Osprey variants are tiltrotors which is an aircraft that incorporates flying qualities of both a helicopter and turboprop airplane. The design is able to take off and land vertically like a helicopter, yet fly at speeds and efficiencies typically associated with a fixed-wing airplane.
Craig has decades of experience contributing to Flight International, Aviation Week, KCRW, NPR, and appearances on the Discovery, Military and History Channels.
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