USMC awards Bell Boeing V-22 training contract
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded Bell Boeing a $74 million contract to provide seven of its V-22 Osprey ground-based trainers, the Containerized Flight Training Devices (CFTD). The trainers are designed to reduce fuel usage and aircraft wear-and-tear, and maximise lifecycle cost savings.
Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Boeing and Bell Helicopter – Textron, will deliver the devices beginning in May 2014. The contract, issued on 25 September, also includes the option for the USMC to add one additional unit.
The CFTD is used to train aircrews on basic aircraft familiarisation and handling qualities, day and night flying (including use of night vision goggles), formation flying, aerial refuelling and landing on ships. All CFTDs can be locally networked to one another and to other aircraft trainers to allow for more robust simulations.
Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Government Services, said: ‘Our trainers prepare warfighters for any task that might be performed in the aircraft while keeping crews and aircraft safely on the ground. This positions the Bell Boeing team as the sole, experienced provider for future international sales, as well.’
Bell Boeing has delivered, or is on contract to deliver, a total of 28 Osprey flight trainers. This includes the current CFTDs, earlier MV-22 trainers and those delivered to the US Air Force.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
