Osprey continues to provide unique tiltrotor capabilities to support global military and humanitarian missions

Bell Textron Inc and Boeing’s V-22 fleet of tiltrotor aircraft has surpassed the 500,000 flight hour milestone.

The hours were logged by more than 375 Ospreys, including the US Air Force CV-22 and the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22.

The V-22 Osprey is the world’s only production tiltrotor aircraft, enabling servicemen and women to conduct diverse missions throughout the most difficult operating environments. Most recently, the aircraft was deployed to assist relief efforts in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.

Extensive operational and humanitarian impact

US Marine Corps Col Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Programme Manager, said: “The V-22 provides unmatched capability for the US Marines and US Air Force Special Operations Command. The platform’s influence on our nation’s defence is seen through its extensive operational and humanitarian impact across the globe.”

Bell Boeing supports V-22 readiness through a comprehensive sustainment effort that includes maintenance, training, on-site field representatives and data analytics. Bell Boeing also works with the V-22 programme office on several efforts to improve V-22 readiness. The Marines’ Common Configuration Readiness and Modernization program (CC-RAM), the Air Force’s configuration reducing modification plan, and nacelle wiring and structure improvements are expected to increase readiness of the V-22 fleet.

Continuous service with Marines and Navy since 2007

Chris Gehler, Bell V-22 Vice President and Bell Boeing Deputy Programme Director said: “V-22 is one of the highest demand platforms in the Department of Defense. This achievement is a great testament to the Marines and Air Commandos operating this platform in all environments.”

“We are committed to providing unparalleled support to our partners by steadily improving Osprey readiness and capabilities now and in the future.”

The V-22 has continuously served the Marines and Navy, as well as Air Force Special Operations since 2007. A third variant, the CMV-22, is scheduled to join the US Navy fleet in 2020.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter