The first flight of the first Navy CMV-22B Osprey in Amarillo, Texas, verifying product requirements and airworthiness for the U.S. Navy in 2020. (Photo: Bell Textron)
By Rich Abott |
@ReaderRabott
1 year ago |
05/08/2023
Navy/USMC

Naval Air Systems Command last Friday said it awarded the Bell [TXT]-Boeing [BA] Joint Program Office a $482 million contract modification to procure another four CMV-22B Osprey Lot 27 aircraft.

This modification  of a contract originally awarded in 2016 is a fixed-price incentive undefinitized modification that “adds scope” for the production and delivery of the four Ospreys.

The first flight of the first Navy CMV-22B Osprey in Amarillo, Texas, verifying product requirements and airworthiness for the U.S. Navy. (Photo: Bell Textron)
The first flight of the first Navy CMV-22B Osprey in Amarillo, Texas, verifying product requirements and airworthiness for the U.S. Navy in 2020. (Photo: Bell Textron)

This work is expected to be finished by June 2026. 

The Navy said $214 million of the funds from the fiscal year 2023 aircraft procurement account will be obligated at the time of award, with none expiring at the end of this fiscal year.

This award comes months after the V-22 Osprey Joint Program Office recommended time limits on the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Ospreys to minimize damage due to an engine clutch issue. Pending replacement parts and a longer term fix, the issue grounded some undisclosed number of aircraft (Defense Daily, Feb. 6).

The Navy’s version of the Osprey achieved initial operational capability in December 2021 (Defense Daily, Feb. 18, 2022).

The Navy uses the CMV-22B for the carrier onboard delivery mission, replacing the C-2A Greyhound. This variant is modified for extended range and can carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo.