American carrier-based aviation in satellite images: tiltrotor aircraft and helicopters
The US Navy and Marine Corps operate approximately 300 tiltrotor aircraft, which can operate from the decks of aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and mother ships. In addition, fleetThe Marine Corps and Coast Guard operate more than 900 ship-capable helicopters.
Convertiplanes of the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey family
Following the failure of the 1980 operation to free American hostages in Iran, the US Defense Department initiated the development of an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing while having a cruising speed and range comparable to the turboprop C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft.
The aircraft, which combines the capabilities of an airplane and a helicopter, was created jointly by Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters as part of the JVX (Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental) program. The tiltrotor, named V-22 Osprey, first took to the air on March 19, 1989.
The Osprey program was implemented with great difficulty and was repeatedly threatened with closure. This was due to the large proportion of fundamentally new technical solutions, which led to a high accident rate of prototypes and the first production units. A major blow to the project was the refusal of the US Army to continue funding. Representatives of the Air Force were also critical of the Osprey. The Marine Corps command insisted on further implementation of the program, which needed to replace the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, whose service life was coming to an end. The main argument in this case, despite the higher cost, was the many times increased combat radius and approximately twice the flight speed in cruising mode, which allowed for faster transfer of Marines and cargo from the UDC to the landing zone.
After a series of accidents and disasters, most of the reliability issues were resolved, and in 2005 the Pentagon approved a production plan. In 2008, the US military department signed a contract for the delivery of 167 tiltrotor aircraft. In 2013, the US Department of Defense decided to increase the number of Ospreys purchased to 458 units. Of these, 360 are intended for the US Marine Corps, 50 for the Air Force, and 57 for the Navy. As of 2022, approximately 420 units have been built.
The Osprey is a high-wing aircraft with a twin-fin tail, powered by two Rolls-Royce T406 turboprop engines located at the ends of the wing in nacelles that can rotate almost 98 degrees. The nacelles rotate using a hydraulic drive with a screw mechanism. The propellers with three trapezoidal blades are connected to each other by a synchronizing shaft that runs inside the wing. This shaft provides the ability to control the flight and landing of the aircraft on one engine. In order to reduce the weight of the structure, about 70% (5700 kg) of the aircraft is made of composite materials based on carbon and fiberglass with an epoxy binder, which makes it about 25% lighter than metal.
In terms of weight and dimensions, the MV-22B used by the US Marine Corps is close to the heavy transport and assault helicopter CH-53D, but significantly surpasses it in speed and flight range. The empty weight of the tiltrotor is 13 kg. Maximum takeoff weight is 435 kg. The wingspan at the tips of the propeller blades is 27 m. The length with folded blades is 945 m. The width with folded blades is 25,78 m. The power plant consists of two Rolls-Royce T19,23-AD-5,64 turboshaft engines with a takeoff power of 406 hp. The maximum speed in airplane mode is 400 km / h, in helicopter mode - 6150 km / h. Practical ceiling is 565 m. Crew - 185 people. The external load capacity is 7600 kg, and the cargo cabin capacity is 4 kg. The cabin, measuring 6800 x 9100 x 7,37 m and having a volume of 1,53 m³, can accommodate 1,3 fully equipped paratroopers or 24,3 wounded on stretchers with accompanying medical personnel. The convertiplane can be armed with 24-12 mm machine guns.
The MV-22B has been in operational testing since 2003 at the 1st Test Operations Squadron at Yuma Air Force Base, Arizona.
Google Earth satellite image of MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft and other aircraft at Yuma Air Force Base. The image was taken in March 2025.
The MV-22B also powers 16 active duty and two reserve tiltrotor squadrons of the Marine Corps.
Google Earth satellite image: MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at Miramar Air Force Base
Four squadrons of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing are assigned to Miramar Air Force Base, California, and two reserve squadrons of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing are also based there.
Marine Air Station New River, North Carolina, is home to seven more Osprey squadrons.
Google Earth satellite image of MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at New River Air Force Base
Tiltrotors designed to deliver personnel and support Marines are also based outside the U.S. For example, Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) of the 1st Airlift Wing is based at Futenma Air Base on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Google Earth satellite image: MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at Futenma Air Base
The 268st Marine Aircraft Wing's 268th Marine Fighter Squadron (VMM-1) is assigned to Kaneohe Air Base, Hawaii. The 363rd Marine Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM-363) is also assigned to the air base.
Google Earth satellite image: MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at Kaneohe Air Force Base
Deliveries of CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft to the Navy began in 2020. These aircraft, primarily intended to replace C-2A(R) Greyhound carrier-based passenger and transport aircraft, are currently operated by three operational squadrons. As of the end of 2023, the customer had accepted 27 units.
The first U.S. Navy unit to field the CMV-22B tiltrotor was Multirole Support Squadron 2020 (VRM-30), based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, in June 30. The unit first deployed in 2021 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
Google Earth satellite image of CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at North Island Air Force Base
Also assigned to North Island Air Force Base is the 50th Multi-Purpose Support Squadron (VRM-50), which was established in October 2020 and serves as a reserve unit.
In the summer of 2024, several CMV-22Bs belonging to VRM-30 were deployed to Iwakuni Air Base, Japan.
Google Earth satellite image of CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at Iwakuni Air Base. The image was taken in April 2025.
In March 2022, North Island Air Force Base also activated the 40th Multi-Role Support Squadron (VRM-40). The unit was later reassigned to Norfolk Air Force Base Chambers Field in Virginia.
Google Earth satellite image of CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft and E-2C/D AWACS aircraft at Chambers Field, Norfolk. The image was taken in November 2024.
CH-53E Super Stallion, MH-53E Sea Dragon and CH-53K King Stallion helicopters
The Marine Corps still operates the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion. The aircraft, which entered service in the early 1980s, has a high accident rate, with 1984 lost between 2024 and 24, but its large payload and large interior space mean it remains in demand.
Although the CH-53E is a very large helicopter, it is suitable for deck basing. Its length is 30,188 m, and the maximum takeoff weight is 33 kg. The diameter of the main rotor is 340 m. The power plant consists of three General Electric T24,08-GE-64 turboshaft engines with a capacity of 419 hp each. In horizontal flight, the helicopter can accelerate to 4380 km / h. Cruising speed is 310 km / h. Practical ceiling is 280 m. Combat radius is 5600 km. Ferry range is 330 km. It is possible to transport 1830 fully equipped marines. When placing the payload inside the machine, the carrying capacity is 37 kg. On the external sling - 14 kg. Crew: 515 people (16 pilots and 325 gunners). 5 mm machine guns are installed in the windows and on the frame.
The CH-53E transport and troop carrier is in service with eight heavy helicopter squadrons of the US Marine Corps, one of which (HMHT-302), deployed at New River Air Force Base, is a training squadron.
Google Earth satellite image of CH-53E helicopters and MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft at New River Air Force Base
As with the MV-22B tiltrotor, most of the heavy-lift helicopter squadrons are based at New River and Miramar AFB, with one squadron (HMH-772) based at McGuire AFB, New Jersey.
Google Earth satellite image of CH-53E helicopters at McGuire Air Force Base. One has its rotor spinning, another has its rotor folded.
In addition to Marine Corps air bases in the United States, a number of heavy-lift helicopters are stationed at Futenma Air Base in Okinawa.
The Marine Corps plans to operate the CH-53E through 2027. Sikorsky is currently delivering the advanced CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. As of late 2023, the Marines had more than two dozen CH-53Ks in service, but they have not yet been declared operationally ready.
The US Navy operates two helicopter squadrons, HM-53 (HM-14) and HM-14 (HM-15), based at Norfolk Air Force Base, with MH-15E Sea Dragons.
Google Earth satellite image: MH-53E helicopters at Norfolk Air Force Base
In terms of basic flight data, the MH-53E helicopter is close to the CH-53E. But unlike the rotary-wing machine operated by the Marine Corps, the naval "Sea Dragon" has larger side fuel tanks and equipment for searching for sea mines, is capable of towing various mine trawls, and can also be used to deliver various cargo and passengers.
Sikorsky MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters
In the sea aviation There are more than four hundred MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a versatile helicopter capable of operating from the decks of warships, with advanced targeting and navigation systems, a magnetic anomaly detector, and a radar capable of detecting submarine periscopes, and can also destroy submarines with Mk.54 anti-submarine torpedoes. Guided missiles can be used against surface and land targets. missiles Hellfire.
The MH-60S helicopter is a search and rescue helicopter used to search for and destroy sea mines.
The MH-60R, powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines with a takeoff power of 1890 hp each, has a maximum takeoff weight of 9926 kg. Empty weight is 6895 kg. Length is 19,71 m. Main rotor diameter is 16,36 m. Maximum speed is 270 km/h. Service ceiling is 3700 m. Range is 830 km. The external sling can carry a load of 2700 kg, and the cabin can carry 2000 kg. Crew is 4 people.
The ship-based MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are organized into 18 attack helicopter squadrons.
Google Earth satellite image of MH-60R helicopters at Mayport Air Force Base
The majority of the MH-60R fleet not operationally deployed is based at North Island, California, Mayport, and Jacksonville, Florida.
Google Earth satellite image of MH-60R helicopters at Atsugi Air Base
The exceptions are Helicopter Attack Squadron 77 (HSM-77), assigned to Carrier Wing 5 and based at Atsugi Air Base, Japan, and Helicopter Attack Squadron 79 (HSM-79), assigned to Destroyer Squadron 60 and based at Naval Base Rota, Spain.
Google Earth satellite image: MH-60S helicopters at Norfolk Air Force Base
The MH-60S Seahawk search and rescue and mine countermeasure helicopters are operated by 16 squadrons based at North Island, California; Norfolk, Virginia; and Andersen, Guam. Marine Helicopter Squadron 12 (HSC-12) is assigned to Atsugi AFB.
Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter
The U.S. Coast Guard operates 45 Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk multi-role helicopters for search and rescue, coastal patrol, law enforcement, support of naval combat operations, and marine environmental protection. These helicopters can operate from shore platforms and from decks.
The Coast Guard initially acquired 1990 HH-1996J helicopters from 46 to 60, but they were converted to MH-2010Ts during major overhauls and upgrades from 2014 to 60. In 2023, the Coast Guard approved the purchase of additional MH-60Ts to replace some of its Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphins, bringing the total MH-60T fleet to 127.
The MH-60T helicopter is equipped with a "glass cockpit", the crew has an advanced optoelectronic search system, integrated with modern communication and navigation equipment. The maximum takeoff weight of the helicopter is 9926 kg. Two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines with a capacity of 1890 hp are capable of accelerating to 275 km / h in horizontal flight. Cruising speed is 240 km / h. With a fuel reserve of 2930 kg and a crew of four, the helicopter can move 485 km from the coast and take on board another six people, spending 30 minutes in hover mode. The helicopter has devices for mounting a 7,62 mm M240H machine gun and a semi-automatic 12,7 mm Barrett M82 rifle. The cabin and most vulnerable areas of the MH-60T are partially covered with bulletproof armor.
Helicopters of this type are operated at eleven air stations scattered along the east and west coasts of the United States, as well as at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama.
Google Earth satellite image of MH-60T helicopters and HC-144A patrol aircraft at Mobile Airfield
Coast Guard aircraft have a distinctive red and white color scheme and are easy to identify.
Google Earth satellite image of an MH-60T helicopter parked at Air Reserve Base New Orleans
Coast Guard aircraft sometimes share airfields with naval aircraft. For example, Air Reserve Station New Orleans is home to several MH-60T search-and-rescue helicopters, Hercules transports, and Super Hornets.
Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter
The Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin, used by the Coast Guard since 1985, is a modification of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. The American "Dauphins" were assembled at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. Currently, the Coast Guard operates about a hundred helicopters of the MH-65C, MH-65D, and MH-65E modifications.
The MH-65C, which entered service in 2008, differs from the earlier Dauphin models in that it has a 10-blade low-noise fenestron, new avionics, and the ability to use a 7,62 mm machine gun and a 12,7 mm sniper rifle. The MH-65D helicopter is an improved modification of the MH-65C with updated communication, navigation, and search systems. The MH-65E helicopter received a "glass cockpit", a new radar, and a digital control system.
The MN-65S helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 4300 kg and is equipped with two Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshaft engines with a capacity of 853 hp each. The length of the helicopter is 11,6 m. The diameter of the main rotor is 11,9 m. The maximum flight speed is 330 km / h. Cruising speed is 240 km / h. Range is 658 km. Practical ceiling is 5480 m. Crew - 4 people.
The Dauphins are used by 14 helicopter units of the Coast Guard. They mainly operate from coastal airfields, but are often carried by patrol vessels. These helicopters are mainly used to monitor coastal waters and intercept speedboats carrying drugs.
The helicopter crews work closely with patrol vessels and other aircraft, including P-3AEW airborne early warning aircraft, and are often based at the same air bases as US Navy and Marine aircraft, but also frequently use civilian airfields.
Google Earth satellite image of MH-65C helicopters with P-3AEW AWACS aircraft at Cecil Field
Thus, the crews of the Tactical Helicopter Combat Illegal Trafficking weapons and drug interdiction (HITRON) teams flying MH-65Cs and based at Cecil Field, Florida, intercepted more than 1998 vessels from 2017 to 500.
Google Earth satellite image: MH-65C helicopters at Atlantic City airfield
The Dauphin is considered to be better suited to intercepting small, fast craft than the Jayhawk. The MH-65C has a higher maximum speed than the MH-60T, is more fuel efficient, and provides better machine gun and sniper rifle accuracy when pursuing a target.
Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopters
The nine light attack helicopter squadrons of the US Marine Corps operate the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopters. A typical unit (except for the 303rd Training Squadron (HMLAT-303)) has 18 AH-1Z and 9 UH-1Y.
The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, which has been in production since 2003, traces its lineage back to the AH-1G Cobra helicopter that fought in Vietnam. The Marine Corps has ordered a total of 189 AH-1Zs, with deliveries scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Compared to the Cobra, the Viper's combat capabilities have increased significantly. Thanks to the higher thrust-to-weight ratio, the maximum flight speed has increased, and protection has been slightly improved. The most noticeable external difference between the AH-1Z and previous modifications is the new four-bladed composite rotor. It replaced the two-bladed rotor traditional for the Huey family of machines. The tail rotor also became four-bladed. The avionics have been completely transferred to a modern element base. Analog instruments in the cockpit have given way to an integrated control system with two multifunctional liquid crystal displays in each cockpit. The helicopter was equipped with a FLIR forward-facing infrared surveillance system, similar to that used on the AH-64 Apache. Two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines with a power of 1340 kW each provided an increase in the maximum takeoff weight to 8390 kg. The combat radius with a load of 1130 kg is 230 km. The maximum speed in a dive is 411 km/h.
In turn, the UH-1Y Venom helicopter is an evolutionary version of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. Although the fleet has completely switched to the more cargo-carrying MH-60R/S Seahawk, the Marines are in no hurry to abandon the simple and relatively inexpensive descendants of the famous Huey, which take up less space on the decks of the UDC. At the moment, the Marine Corps combat and training squadrons, as well as the reserve, have about 140 UH-1Y helicopters.
The Venom was put into service in 2008. The UH-1Y helicopter completely replaced the outdated UH-2014N Twin Huey in 1. The updated UH-1Y differs visually from the previous model in its elongated cabin and enlarged engine exhaust ports. The internal changes are much more serious. The crew now has new avionics and equipment that allows them to operate effectively at night. The helicopter modernization program was carried out in parallel with the work on the AH-1Z helicopter, and these machines have a high degree of unification. The UH-1Y helicopter is also equipped with a four-bladed composite rotor, 2 General Electric T700-GE-401 gas turbine engines, and increased fuselage dimensions. Passenger capacity is 10 people. Maximum speed is 304 km/h. Cruising speed is 293 km/h. The flight range with a payload of 990 kg reaches 240 km. The helicopter can carry weapons in the form of 7,62-12,7 mm machine guns and Hydra 70 missile units.
Google Earth satellite image of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y helicopters at New River Air Force Base
New River Air Force Base, North Carolina, is home to two light attack helicopter squadrons, HMLA-167 and HMLA-167, both part of the 269nd Airlift Wing.
Google Earth satellite image of AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters at Camp Pendleton Air Force Base
There are six operational (HMLA-169, HMLA-267, HMLA-367, HMLA-369, HMLA-469, HMLA-775) and one training squadron (HMLAT-303) of light attack helicopters based at Camp Pendleton Air Force Base in California.
In the past, the issue of creating and adopting a deck version of the McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache helicopter and a modified Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk into service with the US Marine Corps has been repeatedly considered. However, the Marine command is in no hurry to part with the machines, the prototypes of which appeared more than half a century ago. This is due to the fact that the AH-1Z attack helicopters and the UH-1Y multi-purpose helicopters take up less space on the deck and are much lighter than more modern designs, and at the same time are fully consistent with their purpose.
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