The Marines have multiple configurations of the aircraft across its inventory. This effort will reduce MV-22 fleet configurations by modifying block “B” aircraft to the block “C” configuration
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey team is embarking on a modification effort with the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) that will improve readiness and reliability of the fleet of tilt-rotor aircraft.
The Bell Boeing Joint Program Office has been awarded a $69,668,099 modification to a previously awarded contract. The company will modify three existing MV-22 aircraft in support of the V-22 Common Configuration-Readiness and Modernization (CC-RAM) Program.
According to the company news release, the first MV-22 to be modified arrived recently at Boeing’s Philadelphia facility where majority of the work will be completed. Additional work will also be completed at the Bell facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Two additional aircraft will arrive within the next year.
“The CC-RAM program is the cornerstone for MV-22 long term sustainment and affordability. We look forward to the supportability benefits this program will provide as the MV-22 continues to effectively deliver Marines into and out of harm’s way,” said USMC Col. Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Program Manager.
Boeing and Bell Helicopter jointly produce the V-22. The Marines have multiple configurations of the aircraft across its inventory. This effort will reduce MV-22 fleet configurations by modifying block “B” aircraft to the block “C” configuration.
“Our team is ready to take the MV-22 program into the future,” said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and program director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. “Our integrated approach to managing CC-RAM will extend V-22 service life for the Marines and provide modernized technical capabilities to dedicated servicemen and women around the world.”
The V-22 is a joint service, multi-mission aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)capability. It performs VTOL missions as effectively as a conventional helicopter while also having the long-range cruise abilities of a twin turboprop aircraft.
The Marine Corps version, the MV-22B, is an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and will be capable of operating from ships or from expeditionary airfields ashore. CV-22B is the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) variant of the USMC MV-22B Osprey.
Photo credit: Lance Cpl. Amy Phan / U.S. Marine Corps and Chief Petty Officer Joe Kane / U.S. Navy
