Japan becomes first export customer for V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft

Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and Boeing, was awarded a U.S. Navy contract for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey ...

Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and Boeing, was 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 versatile V-22 tiltrotor will allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force greatly enhanced capabilities, while providing an ideal platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters.

In May, U.S. State Department had approved FMS to Japan for V-22B and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3 billion.

The unique tiltrotor mechanism allow the V-22, to rotate its rotors from vertical position to horizontal, enable landing and take offs like a helicopter, and cruise like a turboprop aircraft.

The two Rolls-Royce AE1107C Liberty turboshaft engines supply power for the V-22, producing 6,150 shp (4,586 kW) each. For safe, reliable flight, the V-22's cross-coupled transmissions allow either engine, separately or together, to power the rotors.

At twice the speed of a helicopter, the Osprey carries 24 combat troops, or up to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) of internal cargo or 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg) of external cargo. Its cargo bay can accommodate nine litters with medical personnel and equipment.

The Osprey’s mission capabilities include troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.

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 decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft. The Osprey is also part of U.S Presidential transport fleet.

 Under the current program of record, the Marine Corps will purchase 360 MV-22s for missions including amphibious assault, ship-to-objective maneuvers and sustained operations ashore.

The Air Force Special Operations Command acquired 50 CV-22 variants, with enhanced capabilities tailored for their unique mission requirements.

The first operational Marine Osprey squadron, VMM-263, stood up at New River,NC, on March 3, 2006.