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Cannon AFB partners with Bell Boeing to improve CV-22

Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, New Mexico, back on March 24 delivered its third Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey to the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center. Bell Textron notes this milestone highlights the growing organizational partnership established to advance the CV-22’s future reliability, sustainability, and mission readiness through nacelle improvement modifications.

The nacelle is responsible for the Osprey’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities, and the ability to shift into forward flight. Bell Textron explains, that since roughly 60 per cent of CV-22 maintenance occurs in the nacelle, technicians from the 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are collaborating with Bell Boeing to ensure the modifications result in a more dependable, less costly aircraft to maintain.

“We are working closely with Bell Boeing to provide real-time feedback to help improve the outcome of future nacelle improved CV-22 aircraft. We are optimistic these ongoing changes will increase flying time while decreasing the maintenance manhours needed to ensure the aircraft’s readiness,” said 727 SOAMXS Chief Master Sergeant Sean Ellenburg.

Nacelle improvements aim to increase the CV-22 aircrew flying hours needed to advance training capabilities, explains Bell Textron, while preparing for full-spectrum operations that address global adversarial threats.

“For over a decade, the CV-22 has provided unique and unrivaled special operations capabilities to the joint force,” said Lt Col Jonathan Ball, 20th Special Operations Squadron Commander at Cannon Air Force Base. “We look forward to how the nacelle improvements will increase the Osprey’s readiness, making us even more prepared to face tomorrow’s security challenges.”