About the Smithsonian Series:

An exciting arrangement of colorful die cast models, these historic replicas are the inaugural releases in the Smithsonian Series from Air Force 1. This brand new collection pays tribute to America’s most legendary warbirds. The first five collectibles featured here are no exception, and salute military and technological achievements from the Doolittle Raid of World War II through the introduction of the advanced, tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey. Each newly tooled model in this diverse array – which includes 1/144, 1/200, and 1/300 scale replicas – feature an impressive attention to detail, such as accurately textured surfaces, authentic historic markings and artwork, rotating propellers (where applicable), and a display stand.

Historical:

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, tiltrotormilitary aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

The V-22 originated from the United States Department of Defense Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program started in 1981. The team of Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters was awarded a development contract in 1983 for the tiltrotor aircraft. The Bell Boeing team jointly produce the aircraft. The V-22 first flew in 1989, and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tiltrotor intended for military service in the world led to many years of development.

Info: MV-22B Osprey USMC VMM-165 White Knights, YW00