Patuxent River, Maryland – Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, and Boeing, has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to be delivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program.
The contract for the Block C aircraft includes support, training, and equipment. The V-22 tiltrotor will allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force enhanced capabilities, while providing a platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters.
The V-22 is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps and the Air Force Special Operations Command. This year, the United States Navy announced their decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft.
“The Bell Boeing team is honored to have Japan as the first international customer for the V-22 tiltrotor,” said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter.
The Osprey’s mission capabilities include troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.
Source: Boeing Military Aircraft