The V-22 Osprey is a revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft that takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. Once airborne, its blades can be rotated to convert the aircraft to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight. The 30-ton aircraft can transport assault troops and cargo, undertake combat search and rescue and fleet logistic support, and provide long-range transportation for special operations. After the crash of a V-22 on Dec. 11, 2000, the aircraft did not return to flight until May 29, 2002. Five were flying by the end of 2002. On Sept. 28, 2005, the Department of Defense approved the V-22 program for full production after an exhaustive series of operational tests and evaluations which found the aircraft met or exceeded Marine Corps mission requirements.