The V-22 prop arc diameter is an impressive and unique aspect of the aircraft. Pilots are trained to keep that in mind when performing aerial refuelling.

A significant number of US Marine Corps squadrons are yet to transition to the Osprey, with VMM-161 being the first to do so on the US west coast.

A pair of US Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys bank over the desert. These two aircraft have not been retrofitted with air-to-air refuelling probes. Later models will have them fitted before delivery.

Maintainers work on a CH-46E Sea Knight as an MV-22B Osprey of VMM-161 prepares for a mission at MCAS Miramar, California.

A pair of VMM-161 Ospreys on final approach to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. The unit recently trained with Air Force CV-22s in the local ranges.

A row of VMM-161 MV-22B Ospreys on the ramp at their home base of MCAS Miramar, California.

The Osprey excels at low-level and deep penetration operations, exploiting its speed, range, and aerially refuelling capability.

A view of the cockpit of a US Marine Corps Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey with Captain Jon Shweasel Tillman on the left and VMM-161 Commanding Officer Lt Col Evan 'Bones' LeBlanc on the right.

An ordnanceman installs a M240 7.62mm machine gun on an MV-22B Osprey, on the ramp at MCAS Miramar, California just prior to a live-firing training mission.