22 January 2020: Boeing and Bell Textron's first CMV-22B Osprey has completed its maiden flight operations at Bell's Amarillo Assembly Center.
The CMV-22B will be joining the MV-22 and CV-22; which is used by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force. The CMV-22B is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet.
The US Navy will replace the C-2A Greyhound with CMV-22B for transporting personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea.
Bell Boeing specifically designed the Navy variant for carrier fleet operations by providing increased fuel capacity for the extended range requirement. The mission flexibility of the Osprey will increase operational capabilities and readiness, in addition to ferrying major components of the F-35 engine.
"With the ability to travel up to 1,150 nautical miles, the CMV-22B will be a lifeline for our servicemen and women out at sea," said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and Director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. "The quality and safety built into this aircraft will revolutionise the way the US Navy fulfils its critical carrier onboard delivery mission."