Among the most distinctive aircraft ever built, Bell Boeing's V-22 Osprey tiltrotor combines the reach and speed of a turboprop transport aircraft with the operational versatility of a helicopter. Combat proven as the cornerstone of US Marine Corps assault operations, the Osprey also satisfies the US Navy's carrier logistics requirement and serves US Air Force Special Operations Command. Japan recently became the type's first export operator. Undeniably complex, the Osprey programme has overcome developmental, technical and operational challenges to mature as the world's only in-service tiltrotor. Almost 20 years in development, the Osprey entered US Marine Corps service in 2007 and has since delivered unique capability globally, in the most challenging combat and humanitarian missions.