CMV-22B Osprey in first flight operations
The first CMV-22B Osprey aircraft has carried out its first flight operations at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center.
The aircraft, built by Boeing and Bell Textron for the US Navy, is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet, joining the MV-22 and CV-22 used by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force.
In navy service the CMV-22B will replace the C-2A Greyhound for missions including transporting personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea.
Bell Boeing designed the navy variant specifically 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.
The first CMV-22B will be delivered to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 in early 2020 for developmental test.
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