Bell Boeing Team Supports V-22 Media Day
ST. LOUIS, July 14, 2005 -- The V-22 Osprey had a "coming out" of sorts yesterday, when VMX-22, the U.S. Marine Corps Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron in New River, N.C., hosted media from around the nation.
The event was held to share highlights of the recently completed Operational Test and Evaluation and provide a look at where the program currently is and what milestones are yet to come. Those in attendance had the experience of a lifetime when they became some of the first non-government personnel to fly on board a V-22.
"The VMX-22 squadron, led by Col. Glenn Walters, did an impressive job in executing this successful OPEVAL", said John Lockard, vice president and general manager, Boeing [NYSE: BA] Naval Systems. "Boeing and Bell are proud to have been a part of that success by providing a quality product to conduct the tests. We are looking forward to moving into full rate production."
During OPEVAL, the aircraft was put into "real world" scenarios aimed at evaluating the V-22s operational effectiveness and suitability. Successful completion of this critical phase of testing is required to support a full-rate production decision, scheduled for late September.
Bell Helicopter CEO Michael Redenbaugh, who attended the event, expressed enormous admiration for the dedicated pilots and maintainers from VMX22 who have worked so diligently during the strenuous OPEVAL program. "This is truly an historic moment for the Opsrey program and all of us are anxious to begin full-rate production to get this magnificent tiltrotor into the hands of our Marine customers."
Contributing to the V-22 program's progress are the many cost reduction initiatives underway at Boeing, Bell and both companies' supplier bases aimed at bringing unit cost to $58M by 2010. Both Boeing and Bell Helicopter are committed to support a multi-year procurement plan which is an important element of the V-22 programs overall affordability strategy and a significant step towards future program stability.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis , Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell 's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in nearly 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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Contact Info:
Kirsti Dunn
The Boeing Company-V-22 Joint Program Office
301-866-2419
kirsti.dunn@boeing.com
Bob Leder
Bell Helicopter
817-280-6440
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