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Helicopter Maritime Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Red Dragons . The squadron ' s mission is to '… provide assault support to the landing force in the ship to shore movement and in subsequent operations ashore by transporting combat troops , supplies and equipment …’. In 2014 HMM‐268 became VMM‐268 when the squadron started with the transition from the Boeing CH‐46E Sea Knight to the MV‐22B Osprey . In 2016 VMM‐268 relocated from the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California to MCB Kaneohe Bay , to become the first Osprey squadron based on Hawaii .
The MV‐22B has an empty weight of 35,200 lbs and a max gross weight of 52,600 lbs in vertical takeoff and 57,000 lbs in short take‐off operation . It can carry up to 24 troops or 12 litters . Combat radius is 325 nm without air refuelling . Top speed is 280 kts and cruise speed is 266 kts . The Osprey does not carry any offensive weapons .
The Aviation Magazine would like to thank Ms . Amy S . Bevan , Capt . Michelle Shoenberger and Cpl . Adam Koroley for making this report possible .
Bell Boeing MV‐22B Osprey