Rare and Controversial U.S. V-22 Osprey Spotted Flying Over Luxembourg

A U.S. Air Force V-22 Osprey — a rare and distinctive hybrid aircraft — was seen flying over southern Luxembourg, near Käerjeng, around 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

The aircraft, which took off from Mildenhall Air Force Base in England earlier that morning, drew attention from aviation enthusiasts tracking it on FlightRadar24. Its final destination remains undisclosed, likely for security reasons.

Only 350 Ospreys have been produced since their introduction two decades ago by Bell and Boeing. The model is known for its unique tiltrotor technology, combining features of a helicopter and a turboprop plane. The rotors tilt 90 degrees, allowing vertical takeoff and landing, and can then transition to airplane mode in flight, reaching speeds up to 510 km/h.

However, the aircraft’s history is marred by controversy and accidents. The most recent tragedy occurred in November 2023 off the coast of Japan, claiming eight lives. Despite concerns about safety and reliability, the U.S. Air Force continues to use the V-22 Osprey for rapid troop deployment and equipment transport.

The Japanese military also deployed its Osprey fleet earlier this year amid rising regional tensions with China, underscoring the aircraft’s ongoing strategic value despite its troubled reputation.
Read More : US Air Force deploys V-22 Ospreys over Luxembourg - The Bottom Line

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