Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, and Boeing have celebrated the upcoming completion of the CV-22 Program of Record (POR) for the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony was held at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center on April 18, 2025.
The CV-22 is the Air Force variant of the V-22 Osprey, the first tiltrotor aircraft introduced into military service, providing unmatched speed, range, and terrain-independent capabilities.
Eldon Metzger, Bell V-22 program director, stated:
“Completing the CV-22 production aircraft for the U.S. Air Force is an immense honor and testament to the amazing men and women who have worked to design, engineer, and build these incredible aircraft. As we reach this milestone of CV-22 production we embark on the next chapter of our journey as we transition from full-rate production to fleet wide sustainment.”
The U.S. Air Force is the first U.S. military branch operating the Osprey with improved nacelles to complete its program of record for new-build aircraft.
Kathleen (KJ) Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said:
“The CV-22 Osprey represents the dedication and determination of all those who had a hand in creating a unique aircraft and capability for the U.S. Air Force. We are proud of all the work that has gone into the program over the years and look forward to maintaining the CV-22 for decades to come in support of its mission critical operations.”
The CV-22 has been deployed in high-profile missions, including:
- The longest distance nighttime hostage rescue of American citizens in Department of Defense history.
- The evacuation of 194 people from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
- A high-speed naval rescue of an American during a medical emergency.
The final CV-22 aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Air Force in the coming months. Bell and Boeing, through Team Osprey, will now focus on sustainment and upgrades for the CV-22 fleet while continuing production of MV-22 and CMV-22 variants for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.
