V-22 Osprey

The Navy requests nine V-22s in fiscal 2004, four fewer than planned; eight in 2005, or seven less; 17 in 2006, or three less; and 29 in 2007, or two more than planned. The number would increase to 30 in 2008 and 33 in 2009, depending on the outcome of the test results.

Bell Textron and Boeing delivered the 400th V-22 Osprey to the United States Department of Defense 02 June 2020. The U.S. Air Force Special Operations command received the CV-22 on June 2, marking a milestone for the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft. The CV-22 is the Special Operations Forces (SOF) variant of the V-22 Osprey. The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for Air Commandos around the world and at a moment’s notice.

The Marines received the first production V-22 on May 24, 1999 and today, deliveries continue under the Multi-year Procurement III contract, valued at $5 billion through 2024. The contract includes all variants of the aircraft: Marine, Air Force, Navy and the first international customer, Japan. The V-22 is the world’s first tiltrotor aircraft in production, combining the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. With the V-22 expected to be in service beyond 2040, capability enhancements and readiness initiatives are program priorities.