Bell Boeing Secures $81 Million Deal for Innovative Nacelle Upgrade Kits for CV-22 Osprey

Bell Boeing has secured an $81 million agreement to create, design, and implement nacelle modification kits, along with installing conversion area harnesses on the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

The CV-22 Osprey serves as the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) model of the V-22 Osprey. This contract was granted by the U.S. Department of the Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

“This intricate endeavor will enhance both reliability and maintainability in one of the most vital areas of the aircraft,” stated Col. Matthew Kelly, program manager of the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275). “This contract will bring about the most extensive maintainability upgrades since the CV-22 fleet’s introduction 14 years ago; it will swiftly yield readiness benefits for the fleet.”

The V-22 nacelles accommodate the power and propulsion systems of the aircraft, while the conversion area comprises intricate wiring bundles leading from each nacelle, supplying power across various aircraft components. Collectively, the nacelles and harnesses are essential and sophisticated elements, enabling the V-22’s unique capacity for vertical and horizontal flight.

“Approximately 60 percent of maintenance man-hours are spent in the nacelles,” remarked Col. Brian Clifford, the PMA-275 CV-22 program manager. “By enhancing the design for maintainability in these areas, we will significantly decrease repair duration and boost readiness.”

The anticipated modifications were developed based on insights from Air Force and Marine Corps maintainers to facilitate better access to the nacelles.

“We aimed to ensure that the personnel performing the challenging tasks of opening the nacelles, replacing wires, and troubleshooting would benefit from this program,” expressed MSgt Bryan Sohl, the CV-22 division superintendent.

Initial kit deliveries and installations, included in this agreement, are expected to be finalized by late 2021 at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Amarillo, Texas. The Marine Corps and Navy are also planning to adopt the nacelle and wiring enhancements for the MV-22 and CMV-22B variants.

“The team’s efforts to negotiate and secure this contract were outstanding; the outcomes of this agreement will positively and significantly influence the AFSOC CV-22 fleet,” stated Clifford.