FORT WORTH, Tex. - Bell is on the cusp of delivering the final CV-22 variant Osprey tiltrotor to the United States Air Force (USAF) in the coming months, signaling a significant milestone as the company prepares to conclude production of the aircraft. The last CV-22 is currently undergoing its final assembly at Bell's dedicated tiltrotor facility in Amarillo, Texas. This delivery will mark the completion of the USAF's program of record, which encompasses a total of 56 of these specialized Ospreys.

While the completion of the USAF's acquisition marks a turning point, Bell emphasizes its ongoing commitment to the Osprey platform through fleet-wide sustainment efforts. Although the production of MV-22s for the US Marine Corps is nearing its end, with approximately 348 aircraft already in service, new Osprey production is slated to continue until the end of 2027.

This continued production will primarily focus on fulfilling the US Navy's need for CMV-22B Ospreys, which will replace the aging Grumman C-2A Greyhound for carrier onboard delivery missions. The USAF's CV-22s are crucial for long-range special operations missions, offering enhanced fuel capacity for extended range.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-nears-completion-of-final-osprey-for-us-air-force/162773.article
Author: Ryan Finnerty 

FORTH WORTH, Tx. - Textron rotorcraft-manufacturing subsidiary Bell posted significant revenue growth in the first quarter, with revenues reaching $983 million, a 35% increase from the same period last year, driven by strong performance in both military and commercial sectors.

Bell delivered 29 commercial helicopters in the quarter, up significantly from 18 in the same period last year. This included twelve 505s, eleven 407s, three 429s, and three 412s, showing growth across most models compared with the first quarter of 2024, when twelve 505s, four 407s, one 429, and one 412 were delivered.

Military shipments included two V-22 Ospreys and no H-1s in the first quarter of 2025. In last year’s first quarter, no V-22s were delivered, but two H-1s were handed over.

The revenue increase was driven by higher military revenues of $154 million, primarily due to increased volume from the U.S. Army’s FLRAA program and military sustainment programs. Commercial revenues rose by $102 million.

Bell’s segment profit rose to $90 million, up $10 million from the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher volume and the products and services mix. The company’s backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $7.1 billion, an increase from $4.8 billion at the end of 2023.

During the quarter, Bell announced a purchase agreement with Air Methods for 15 IFR-configured 407GXis, with an option for 12 additional aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year. Bell was also awarded a contract for five additional CMV-22 aircraft, extending production through 2027.

Source: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-04-25/bell-reports-35-revenue-surge-first-quarter-2025
Associated URL: Aviation International News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bell has secured its V-22 Osprey production line in Amarillo, Texas, at least through the end of 2027, providing crucial continuity as the company transitions to building the next-generation Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) for the US Army.

Textron Chief Executive Scott Donnelly confirmed the extension on April 23, citing a $590 million order from the US Navy in March. This contract adds five new CMV-22B variant Ospreys to the Navy's existing orders, with work expected to be completed by January 2028. The CMV-22B, distinguished by its larger fuel tanks for extended range, is the naval version of the Osprey designed to resupply aircraft carriers at sea, replacing the aging Grumman C-2A Greyhound.

This continued Osprey production is a significant bridge for Bell's Amarillo facility as it gears up for large-scale manufacturing of the FLRAA. Bell won the FLRAA competition in late 2022 and is currently fabricating six prototypes, with the first slated for delivery to the Army for testing in 2026. The company anticipates reaching low-rate initial production of the FLRAA, previously known as the V-280 Valor, around 2028, supporting the Army's goal of fielding the new tiltrotor to conventional units by 2030. While new Osprey orders are expected to be limited as the US Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command have nearly completed their fleets, the sustained production will keep the Amarillo line active until FLRAA production ramps up.

Bell has already begun subcontracting key suppliers and initiating early work on FLRAA components. The Amarillo site will serve as the final assembly location for the new aircraft. Despite the eventual winding down of new Osprey production, Donnelly emphasized that the company anticipates decades of sustainment activity for the existing Osprey fleet, given its daily operational tempo and the resulting aftermarket demand. Ongoing projects include gearbox redesigns, cockpit technology refreshes, and potential engine upgrades, ensuring the Osprey remains a vital part of military aviation for years to come.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/bell-secures-osprey-production-though-2027-spanning-gap-until-flraa-work-begins/162737.article
Author: Ryan Finnerty