The Bell Boeing CMV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft is the United States Navy's (USN) chosen successor to the long-running, storied Northrop Grumman C-2 "Greyhound' fixed-wing carrierborne transports. The type utilizes all of the inherent strengths of the existing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor line with some refinements to suit over-water, carrierborne operations for the USN service. The C-2 family line will, however, continue to operate aboard American carriers in the at-sea, long-range aerial logistics support mission resupply role into 2024 at which point the new fleet of CMV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft is set to take over.
The venerable C-2 Greyhound fleet was introduced during the peak of the Cold War (1947-1991) period, in 1966 with its first-flight had some two years earlier in November of 1964. Despite these dated origins, the series has remained a vital component in USN actions for decades, providing all manner of support over-water and at-sea. Seventeen C-2A models were procured by the USN followed by 39 of the newer C-2A(R) types. All C-2A models have since been retired by the service while the C-2A(R) series remains active as of this writing (April 2019). The USN is the sole operator of this Grumman / Northrop Grumman product.
Its successor, the CMV-22B, is nothing more than a navalized variant of the all-modern, and proven, Bell Boeing V-22 "Osprey" tilt-rotor aircraft line. The design is neither helicopter nor fixed-wing aircraft as it can accomplish both vertical and horizontal flight by way of maneuvering its tilting engine nacelles. This gives the design unparalleled capabilities in reaching those "hard-to-reach" areas through pinpoint landings or stable hovering actions. Each engine, Rolls-Royce turboshafts built by Allison, drive large-diameter, three-bladed main rotors which power the V-22's impressive capabilities.
The Navy's B-model is based in the earlier MV-22B, which was developed to a USMC requirement to fulfill an assault transport role for ground troopers. This model introduced a shipborne operating functionality while also retaining cargo-hauling capabilities. The service has used this mark to replace an aging stock of Boeing CH-46E and Sikorsky CH-53D helicopters since introduction. In USN service, the modified CMV-22B is designated specifically for the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) role and improves upon the existing framework by introducing improved communications equipment as well as increased operational ranges - both qualities vital to carrierborne aircraft.
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December 2019 - The CMV-22B completed its first flight, marking a major project milestone.
January 2020 - The first CMV-22B is expected to be delivered sometime in the early part of 2020.
April 2020 - The CMV-22 has begun developmental testing. USN CMV-22B variants will ultimately see an increase to MTOW as well as fuel capacity. Other improvements will happen to the communications system and cargo loading/unloading process.
June 2020 - The United States Navy has delivered its first CMV-22 Osprey example to an operational squadron at Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego).
June 2020 - Indonesia has been announced as a potential export customer for the new CMV-22 tilt-rotor platform. At least eight airframes may make up the deal.
December 2020 - The first landing on an aircraft carrier by the CMV-22B has been successfully conducted by the United States Navy.
August 2021 - The Unite States Navy has deployed, for the first time, its new CMV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft aboard one of its aircraft carriers.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Maritime / Navy
Land-based or shipborne capability for operating over-water in various maritime-related roles while supported by allied naval surface elements.
✓Transport
General transport functionality to move supplies/cargo or personnel (including wounded and VIP) over range.
Length
57.4 ft (17.50 m)
Width/Span
45.9 ft (14.00 m)
Height
22.1 ft (6.75 m)
Empty Wgt
33,147 lb (15,035 kg)
MTOW
52,911 lb (24,000 kg)
Wgt Diff
+19,764 lb (+8,965 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Bell Boeing CMV-22B production variant)
monoplane / high-mounted / straight
Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represent the most popular mainplane arrangement.
High-Mounted
Mainplanes are mounted at the upper-most position allowable along the dorsal line of the fuselage.
Straight
The planform involves use of basic, straight mainplane members.
(Structural descriptors pertain to the Bell Boeing CMV-22B production variant)
Installed:
2 x Allison (Rolls-Royce) T406/AE 1107C-Liberty turboshaft engines developing 6,150 horsepower each and driving three-bladed main rotor blades on tilting nacelles.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Bell Boeing CMV-22B production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
None.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
CMV-22B "Osprey" - United States Navy designation.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
Images Gallery
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Image from official Bell-Boeing press release materials.
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Indonesia (possible); United States
