MV-22C Osprey

Description: The V-22 Osprey is a multi-mission, tilt-rotor aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. It performs VTOL missions as effective as a conventional helicopter while also having the long range cruise abilities of a twin-turboprop aircraft. The V-22 features a tilt-rotor mounted on each wing tip with its corresponding engine/transmission nacelle. It can operate as a helicopter for takeoff and landing operations and otherwise required. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90-degree for horizontal flight, converting the V-22 to a high-speed airplane. The V-22's wing rotates for compact storage aboard ships. The V-22 will carry cargo externally and internally and will be armed with two 12.7mm guns. For improved survivability the V-22 includes cross-coupled transmissions so either engine can power the rotors if one engine fails.

Current program status (2004) allows Bell Boeing to continue the low rate initial production (LRIP) phase with deliveries of at least 11 aircraft per year. After 2011, it is planned that the V-22 production rate will grow to 48 per year. The MV-22A will be an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and will be capable of operating from ships and austere airfields. The USMC plans to purchase up to 360 MV-22s to perform vertical assault missions.

According to 2004 official reports, the USMC MV-22 initial operational capability (IOC) will be delayed from September 2004 to March 2007, and the US Air Force CV-22 is expected to complete its initial operational test and evaluation in September 2007 (June 2006 originally). Bell-Boeing joint program office received a $850 million acquisition contract for long lead effort and materials associated with the manufacture and delivery of 11 fiscal year 2006 Lot 10 low rate initial production (LRIP) V-22 aircraft January 24, 2005. Lot 10 includes 9 MV-22 for the Marine Corps and two CV-22 for the Air Force.

On 27 December 2005, Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office was awarded a $1.06 billion contract by the US Navy for procurement of 14 fiscal year 2007 Lot 11 MV-22 and 2 Lot 11 CV-22 aircraft. The 16 V-22 aircraft were expected to be delivered before September 2009. In January 2006 Bell/Boeing delivered the first MV-22 Block B aircraft to the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps plans call for the first MV-22 aircraft to be deployed in support of combat operations in late 2007.