US Navy Expands Carrier Operations with New CMV-22B Ospreys

The US Navy has awarded a $590 million contract to the Bell Boeing Joint Program Office for the production and delivery of five CMV-22B Osprey aircraft. This fixed-price incentive modification, announced on March 21, enhances the Navy’s logistics capabilities for carrier-based operations. The aircraft are expected to be delivered by January 2028.

Enhanced Capabilities

The CMV-22B Osprey combines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities with the range and speed of a turboprop aircraft. This unique feature enables the rapid transport of personnel, supplies, and mission-critical cargo to aircraft carriers without requiring traditional runways. Its ability to operate in contested maritime environments makes it an essential asset for the Navy’s logistics network.

Nationwide Production Efforts

Manufacturing and assembly of the new CMV-22B aircraft will take place across multiple locations in the United States, including Fort Worth and Amarillo, Texas; Ridley Park, Pennsylvania; Red Oak, Texas; East Aurora, New York; Park City, Utah; and McKinney, Texas. Some additional work will also be carried out both domestically and internationally.

Funding and Contract Management

The contract is funded through fiscal year 2024 aircraft procurement funds, with $132.1 million obligated at the time of the award. The Naval Air Systems Command, headquartered at Patuxent River, Maryland, is overseeing the project to ensure timely production and deployment.

The CMV-22B Osprey is set to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has been in service since the 1960s. This transition marks a significant modernization effort for the Navy’s Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) mission. The Osprey’s ability to transport F-35 power modules and other high-priority equipment is crucial for supporting future carrier air wings.

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Operational Deployment

The CMV-22B made its first operational deployment with Carrier Air Wing 2 in 2021. As production expands, it will become the primary aircraft for COD missions, ensuring seamless logistics support for carrier strike groups worldwide. The Navy’s investment in the Osprey underscores its commitment to enhancing fleet readiness and operational flexibility in evolving combat scenarios.

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