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The V-22 has blades that are larger than blades on most helicopters. Could you make them smaller and still have the vertical takeoff effect?enter image description here

Bonus: Does the V-22 get some of its thrust from the exhaust?

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The rotor size helicopter (or a tiltrotor, in this case) is determined by its aerodynamic requirements, most importantly, its hover characteristics. The main constraint is the weight that has to be lifted by the helicopter at a give a altitude.

In this context, it can be seen that the blades of V-22 are actually smaller. For example, V22 has a Max. TOW(Take-off Weight) of 27,400 kg. For achieving this, the V22 twin rotors of 11.6 m diameter, giving a rotor disc area of 212 m². A CH47, which has a Max TOW of 22,680 kg has a rotor disc area of 520 m² using twin rotors.

If we take single rotor helicopters, the CH 53 Super stallion has a 24 m dia. rotor having a disc area of 460 m² to lift a max TOW of 33,300 kg.

This lesser blade disc area of V22 limits is ability to hover at higher altitudes. The V22 rotor blades will have been optimized for required performance parameters. So, if the blade length is reduced (assuming airfoil is kept the same), vertical takeoff is possible though other performance characteristics will be severely affected.

The V 22 uses two Rolls-Royce Allison T406/AE 1107C-Liberty turboshafts, which do not produce any thrust.

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    $\begingroup$ Strictly speaking, all jet engines produce some thrust since they must vent hot expanding gases somewhere. Whether that thrust is significant or useful is another matter. $\endgroup$
    – Simon
    Commented Aug 27, 2015 at 8:05
  • $\begingroup$ You're correct in saying that all jet engines produce thrust. However, in case of turboshaft engines in general, the residual thrust is not significant. Even when some residual thrust is available, steps are taken (like turning the exhaust) to reduce their effect. My answer was in that context. $\endgroup$
    – aeroalias
    Commented Aug 28, 2015 at 10:41

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