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| V-22 Osprey. Photo: Boeing |
[Avionics Today 07-15-2015] The United States Navy has awarded Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and Boeing, a contract to deliver five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program. The contract for the Block C aircraft includes support, training and equipment. The V-22 tiltrotor aims to enhance capabilities and provide a platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters for Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force.
“The distinct performance envelope of the V-22 will provide Japan with an ideal solution when the need arises. When assets are required on-target in a location without an airstrip, the self-deployable Osprey provides customers with an unrivaled combination of speed, range, and payload to execute a variety of missions,” said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of military business for Bell Helicopter.
The V-22 is currently in service with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. This year, the U.S. Navy announced its decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft.