I heard the Osprey is a replacement for the aircraft (Herks and H-53) that attempted the Tehran hostage rescue. The one where they all piled up at 'Desert One'.
The idea is an a/c like the V-22 (had they had it at the time) could have:
1. Launched off the carrier- like the H-53s did.
2. Do a long transit with the troops/ 'hostages' in the back without having to refuel (so no herks needed)
3. Do the vertical landing at the hot end and pick up the hostages.
4. Missed out the 'Desert One' scenario altogether.
Who says the military doesn't equip for the last war they fought?