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.
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