Led F-35 Mission Systems Team As An Air Force Officer

Michael “Willy” D. Andersen has been named Vice President and Program Director for of the V-22 Osprey and deputy director of the Bell-Boeing Program office. In this dual role, Andersen will report directly to Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of military programs at Bell Helicopter and to John Rader, executive director of the Bell-Boeing V-22 Program.

“With his proven record, I have complete confidence that Willy will be able to add immediate value to the V-22 program by strengthening our existing relationships and building future Osprey capability,” said Mitch Snyder executive Vice president. “Willy is a highly respected military leader. His experience will make a strong contribution as our V-22 Vice President and Program Director.”

Andersen is a retired Air Force Colonel with 27 years of service and a unique blend of experiences in product development and business operations, having directed and managed product portfolios for aircraft, weapons, avionics and cyber and international sales. “We welcome Willy to the Bell Boeing team and look forward to drawing on his leadership and experience as we continue to deliver one of the safest, most cost effective and most capable military aircraft in the world,” said Rader.

In his new role, Andersen will represent Bell Helicopter in all Bell-Boeing Program Office (BBPO) decisions and initiatives, working directly with customers and Boeing in the overall contracting and execution of the program. “I’m very excited to be joining Bell Helicopter to help lead the V-22 program,” said Andersen. “The Osprey is a revolutionary aircraft that has unmatched speed and range compared to other rotorcraft. I’m looking forward to being part of this cutting edge program.”

During his Air Force career, Andersen served as Director, Chief Engineer and Deputy Lead for Mission Systems for the F-35, Squadron Commander, Operations Officer, Flight Test Engineer, and Chief Engineer and at Air Force installations across the country as well as Air Force Deputy Division Chief at the Pentagon.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com