I've never been on one either, but I've seen them up close a few times, as well as heard/seen them fly overhead. A very interesting aircraft, with a lot of capability IMO. Much faster than helo's, holds a lot more than most helos, other than perhaps the Chinooks (close) or the CH53s. I think for its job, getting troops from assault ships to the beach, and supporting them, it's a fantastic idea due to the speed and versatility, as well as payload. Seeing the thing all folded up for storage, then the wing rotating 180 degrees, the engines then rotating, then rotors unfolding...it looks like a real world Transformer, and it's hard to believe something so squashed together and folded up can fly in moments. Seeing F18's refuel for one as well - sort of mind bending.
I've read about some of the armaments they're trying out on them as well, not just the defensive guns, but various cannon systems which are belly/chin mounted in steerable pods with IR targeting systems, giving the V22 the ability to not only defend itself, but prep the landing positions in denied areas. Before this, due to the design and having large engine in the way on both sides when hovering, firing defensive guns was only really capable out the rear, which is kind of not the place you need to look/shoot when incoming to a landing zone, or anywhere for that matter. I'll find the video and post it.
edit - video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVoksf_2y5k#t=111 Some serious pew pew p-otential. 3,000 rpm and over 5000 rnds carried typically, with more able to be reloaded while in flight without RTB.
I really like the Osprey, I wish it would get more sales and support from NATO countries, the capability it gives over helos is a pretty impressive jump, even for the $.
