Cannon AFB, Bell Boeing to Improve CV-22 Osprey Aircraft

Cannon Air Force Base and Bell Boeing have partnered to improve the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft through nacelle improvement modifications.

On March 24, the Cannon AFB delivered its third Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey to the Bell Labs Amarillo Assembly Center.

The nacelle is responsible for the Osprey’s critical vertical take-off and landing capabilities, and the ability to shift into forward flight.  Since roughly 60 percent 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 while preparing for full-spectrum operations that address global adversarial threats.