Program Of Record Milestone Feted In Ceremony At Assembly Plant

Bell Textron and Boeing Company commemorated the impending completion of the CV-22 Program of Record (POR) for the U.S. Air Force. The companies celebrated the V-22 Osprey production milestone during a ceremony at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas on April 18.

The final CV-22 aircraft will be completed in the next few months prior to its delivery to the USAF. The group of industry partners known as Team Osprey who have supported the V-22 program will transition to sustainment and upgrades for the Air Force’s fleet.

The V-22 is the first tiltrotor aircraft put into military service and has been a successful provider of speed, range, and operational capabilities unlike any other aircraft. The Air Force is the first of the U.S. military branches to complete its program of record and to operate the V-22 Osprey with the improved nacelles.

The Air Force variant is specifically designed for special operations missions that are too long and complex for other aircraft.

Eldon Metzger, Bell V-22 program director noted, “Completing the CV-22 production aircraft for the U.S. Air Force is an immense honor and testament to the amazing men and women who have worked to design, engineer, and build these incredible aircraft. As we reach this milestone of CV-22 production we embark on the next chapter of our journey as we transition from full-rate production to fleet wide sustainment.”

Kathleen (KJ) Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security said, "The CV-22 Osprey represents the dedication and determination of all those who had a hand in creating a unique aircraft and capability for the U.S. Air Force. We are proud of all the work that has gone into the program over the years and look forward to maintaining the CV-22 for decades to come in support of its mission critical operations."

Bell and Boeing are still continuing to build new MV-22 and CMV-22 variants for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy.

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