Not really... The mechanism for how it moves between take-off and forward flight was completely redesigned between MV-22 and MV-75. The new mechanism first flew and was tested extensively on the V-280 Valor under the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The outcome of that program led to Bell being chosen over Sikorsky for the FLRAA contract and the development of the MV-75.
What is the reason? Sure, the Osprey's record isn't great, but it clearly is useful enough that the US is pursuing further development of the tiltrotor concept in the form of MV-75 and replacing carrier borne logistics with more MV-22s while China is also trying to build a similar concept. This seems to be a generation beyond the current tiltrotors under development and could mean quite a lot for battlefield mobility and logistics.
If she sinks then they won't have to do the expensive cleanup of the reactor, etc.
The Osprey's overall incident rate is a little over half that of the CH-53, a conventional helicopter. Should we then say that single-rotor heavy-lift helicopters are a dead end that we shouldn't have high expectations for?
Still just sounds like a next gen evolution of Osprey for all intents and purposes.
Yes, it is a tiltrotor / jet hybrid.
With the radar signature of a whale.
U.S. Special Operations Command have been talking about having this capability for some time. Bell previously shared test footage of a scale engine mechanism that would allow for transition from propeller to turbofan by using a method of stopping and then stowing the blades. This mechanism looks similar to the renderings provided for the X-76.
The program goals are listed as follows:
The announcement doesn't mention it, but I suspect this would leverage as much of the MV-75 as possible?
- Achieve cruise at speeds exceeding 400 knots
- Hover in austere environments
- Operate from unprepared surfaces