I believe the range and speed are the assets of the V-22 compared to similar size helicopters. http://helicopters.axlegeeks.com/compare/18-24/Sikorsky-CH-53K-v

I believe the range and speed are the assets of the V-22 compared to similar size helicopters. http://helicopters.axlegeeks.com/compare/18-24/Sikorsky-CH-53K-vs-Bell-BOEING-V-22-Osprey http://helicopters.axlegeeks.com/compare/18-24/Sikorsky-CH-5... As I understand it the main drawback of the V-22 is the drag effect of the "larger" blades in airplane mode. So I assume that NASA is testing tilt-rotor aircraft with more engines with smaller blades in hopes of increasing the range and speed over current tilt-rotor aircraft.