AMARILLO, TX– Bell, a textron inc. (NYSE: TXT), completed the first modification of nacelle upgrades on an Air Force CV-22 Osprey. The aircraft is part of an ongoing upgrade by Bell and Boeing (NYSE: BA) to improve the wiring components in the nacelles and modify the structure to improve maintainability. The Osprey returned to 20th Special Operations Squadron at cannon air force base to December 13, 2021.
The V-22’s pods house power components critical to the V-22’s vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and transition to forward flight. This program benefits V-22 fleet maintainers and operators by reducing maintenance time and costs while simultaneously improving flight readiness rates.
Bell has completed modifications at the Amarillo Assembly Center (AAC), which is actively producing new V-22s for the defense department. The AAC employs over 500 employees to manufacture new military aircraft and modify existing military aircraft. The AAC nacelle upgrade utilizes Bell’s most experienced craftsmen in nacelle removal and replacement.
“Speed, range and versatility have always been fundamental to the Osprey, and that includes speed of maintenance,” said Kurt Fuller, director of the V-22 program and vice-president of Bell. “The improvements to the pod help ensure that the Osprey continues to outperform its opponents, both operationally and sustainably.”
The V-22 Osprey routinely flies missions that would typically require both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, reducing the overall logistics and maintenance footprint of operations. The CV-22 is a special operations variant of the Osprey that routinely operates in high-demand environments, including long-range infiltration and exfiltration missions. the Marine Corps and Marine also cited interest in pod improvements for the MV-22 and CMV-22B variants.
“The capabilities of the V-22 today are unmatched,” said Shane Openshaw, deputy director of the V-22 and Boeing vice-president. “These nacelle upgrades help ensure that the Osprey remains a high-performing and reliable aircraft supporting our customers’ missions for many years to come.”
Bell Boeing completed the first aircraft in December 2021 and is underway with the second CV-22.
About Bell
Thinking beyond is what we do. For over 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and certify a commercial helicopter. We were on board from NASA first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we are defining the future of advanced air mobility. Based at Fort Worth, TX – as a 100% subsidiary of textron inc., – we have strategic locations all over the world. And with nearly a quarter of our personnel having served, helping our military accomplish their missions is one of our passions. Above all, our disruptive innovations deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. Effectively. Reliably. And always, with safety first
On textron inc.
textron inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aerospace, defence, industrial and financial companies to provide its customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known worldwide for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, EZ-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
On Boeing
As a world leader in aerospace, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top we as an exporter, the company draws on the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
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Contact
Jay Hernandez
Bell
Senior Military Communications Strategist
(817) 280-1949
[email protected]
Quinn Marciano
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Communications V-22 Osprey
(267) 441-2521
[email protected]
