The Pinback: This unusual pinback features the logo of the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and was made and distributed when the Osprey was just a concept and no actual models were available. The logo (red & blue "V" with white burnout of an Osprey and white digit: 22) was the logo for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey while in development. It may also have been a reference to Vertol Corp, purchased by Boeing in 1960. Pin's surface is a 1-inch diameter circle of clear, slightly domed resin or acrylic over the 2-color logo. Underside is gold-hued metal alloy. 


This pinback was made in approximately 1986, 3 years before the first test flights of the Osprey. and distributed as a novelty or souvenir at Army aviation meetings and expositions.


The Helicopter: 

The logo (red & blue "V" with white burnout of an Osprey and white digit: 22) is the marketing logo for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. The Osprey is an American multi-mission, tiltrotor helicopter with both vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop.

Problems encountered during the Iran hostage crisis of the 80s underscored the need for a long-range, high-speed, vertical-takeoff aircraft for the Dept of Defense, prompting the Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program, which started in 1981. A partnership between Bell and Boeing was awarded a development contract in 1983 for the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. The V-22 first flew in 1989 and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tiltrotor for military service led to many years of development.

The Marine Corps began crew training for the MV-22B Osprey in 2000 and fielded it in 2007; it supplemented and then replaced the Boeing CH46 Sea Knight. The Air Force fielded their version of the tiltrotor, CV-22B, in 2009. Since entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force, the Osprey has been deployed in transportation and medevac operations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Kuwait. 

Good Condition. As a proudly worn item, it has minute scratches and signs of wear, but they not are apparent. The logo has yellowed and faded a bit. Comes with brass backing with weighted balance which may not be the original that came with this pinback, and has minor discoloration. If desired, backing can be replaced with simple brass gripper.