CMV-22B Osprey completes first flight
The first CMV-22B Osprey, built by Boeing and Bell Textron Inc., completed first flight operations at Bells Amarillo Assembly Centre.
Above:
CMV-22B Osprey's first flight.
Courtesy Boeing
The CMV-22B is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet, joining the MV-22 and CV-22 used by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force.
The US Navy will use the CMV-22B to replace the C-2A Greyhound for transporting personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. Bell Boeing designed the Navy variant specifically for carrier fleet operations by providing increased fuel capacity for the extended range requirement. The mission flexibility of the Osprey will increase operational capabilities and readiness, in addition to ferrying major components of the F-35 engine.
“With the ability to travel up to 1,150 nautical miles, the CMV-22B will be a lifeline for our servicemen and women out at sea,” said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programmes and director, Bell Boeing V-22 Programme. “The quality and safety built into this aircraft will revolutionise the way the US Navy fulfills its critical carrier onboard delivery mission.”
Bell Boeing will deliver the first CMV-22B to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 in early 2020 for developmental test.
The V-22 Osprey is the world's first production tilt rotor aircraft with a 38-foot rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle mounted on each wing tip, powered by pivoting Rolls-Royce/Allison AE1107C engines.