Wee monkey. The V-22, according to Bell, cruises at 266kts, ie 100kts faster than a CH-47 is flat out, and can push up to 280kts. Speed helps with crossing rate at low level, but if you're a User you'll know it's only part of the story. The big difference re AAA/SA is that the V-22 can cruise comfortably over 20 000ft, and transition (at least up) through the threat band very quickly. As FL250 you're exploiting high level winds, your engines are pretty efficient, the drag is lower and you're above the MANPADS and all but the heavy calibre AAA. In a Fighter/RF threat you're not going to be up that high, but, where possible, it's a significant improvement over conventional 'blade edge on' rotorcraft. V-280 has already flown at 300kts….