V-22 Osprey USMC Grey

While tiltrotor technology research began in the years following World War II, the modern V-22 Osprey is the first operational aircraft of the type. Tiltrotor aircraft combine the advantages of helicopter's vertical takeoff and landing abilities with the speed and efficiency of traditional fixed-wing aircraft, and the V-22 is the first vehicle to utilize both abilities. The V-22 first went into combat operations in 2007, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq. While there have been some teething problems with the aircraft, revolving largely around the lack of spare parts, V-22s have put in thousands of combat hours and are proving very useful in the field.This particular model represents the U.S. Marine Corps V-22 variant currently in use, and the quality craftsmanship and finish make it a prized asset for any collector.