U.S. Navy has received first CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft built by Bell Textron.

According to a press release published on February 7, 2020, to the Bell-Boeing official website, the U.S. Navy has received the first CMV-22B Osprey built by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, and Boeing. The latest variant brings proven tiltrotor capabilities designed specifically for carrier fleet operations. The CMV-22B is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet, joining the MV-22 and CV-22 used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.

In January 2020, the first CMV-22B Osprey, built by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing (NYSE: BA), has completed first flight operations at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center. (Picture source Boeing)

The CMV-22B Osprey long-range tiltrotor aircraft is the next generation in the family of MV-22B Osprey assault support aircraft developed by Bell Boeing for the US Marine Corps. The CMV-22B Osprey long-range tiltrotor aircraft is the US Navy’s future variant of MV-22B Osprey assault support aircraft developed by Bell Boeing for the US Marine Corps.

The U.S. Navy selected the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey to replace the C-2A Greyhound fleet for its carrier onboard delivery mission of transporting personnel and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. The CMV-22B will initially be based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego and later at Naval Air Station Norfolk.

The CMV-22B Osprey will provide the Navy with significant increases in capability and operational flexibility over the C-2A. CMV-22B operations can be either shore-based, “expeditionary”, or sea-based. The Osprey is a critical warfighting enabler, providing the time-sensitive combat logistics needed to support combat operations.

The CMV-22B is unique in the Osprey family with the ability to carry up to 6,000 pounds and cover more than 1,150 nautical miles. It is the only aircraft that can land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier with the F-35C engine power module safely secured inside its fuselage and provide roll-on/roll-off delivery. Expanded sponsons increase fuel capacity and enable the CMV-22B to provide enhanced logistical capability anywhere in the world.

The CMV-22 completed several milestones leading to the first reveal ceremony. The CMV-22B accomplished its first flight in December 2019 and on February 2, the first developmental test model arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD to continue developmental testing. Over the last several months, the Navy and Marine Corps team has been working and training together at MCAS Miramar in preparation for CMV-22 deliveries.

The US Navy’s CMV-22B tiltrotor will have a night vision goggle-compatible glass cockpit, which can accommodate up to four crew members, including a pilot, co-pilot, crew chief, and second air-crewman. The cockpit will incorporate four multi-function displays (MFDs) to display imagery and maps.