Seen one of them there whirlyplaneamajigs over our house last week, wondered what it was all about.
US Marines use them in the States, there are two stationed over here for the use of US Special Forces, for rapid deployment into Europe; at a top speed of 350 kts, they’re faster than a hekilopter, carry 24 troops, and have a max ceiling of 24,000′, so out of the range of ground fire.
British Special Forces were working with the yanks on Salisbury Plain several weeks ago on exercises with the Osprey, then it was reported that the SAS would be getting them to replace their Chinooks.
They were cruising around Chippenham at the time, but I didn’t get to see them, sadly; I think they’re amazing planes.