US V-22 Try Hard to Escape Enemy F-16 During Aggressor Squadron Exercice

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The Falcon Hunts An Osprey

Alert missions provide quick-reaction support to protect the US airspace in significant events. 

During such drills, a pilot approaches the awaiting aircraft while maintainers prepare for the launch. The pilot then starts the engine and runs through the checklist to ensure safe but quick operations. After the crew checks the flight controls for the last time, the crew chief directs the F-16 out of the hangar for takeoff. 

At the same time, a separate crew also prepares their V-22 Osprey for launch. When both sides are airborne, the F-16 pilot will attempt to visually acquire the V-22 as part of the exercise. 

Ospreys can fly extremely low, enabling them to stay out of the engagement window for radar missiles. However, the F-16 pilot can choose to pick out the V-22 from all the ground clutter. 

Check out how intensely the two aircraft try to outmaneuver each other in the video below.