The V-22 Osprey, also referred as the Osprey, is a U.S. military V/STOL (Vertical and/or Short Take off and landing) aircraft used by Third Echelon in the Splinter Cell series. It was used as a way for quick transportation from one area to another without the use of a traditional airplane. The Osprey housed Sam Fisher's gear and computers for field runners to use for a three-way communication between Third Echelon, the field runner and Fisher. The V-22 Osprey appeared in three Splinter Cell games and not used in Chaos Theory, in which the airlifting role is replaced by UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-6 Little Bird. The Osprey's role is transferred to the Paladin, a multi-purpose military aircraft that acted as a mobile headquarters for Fourth Echelon.