Japan Becomes First International Customer of V-22 Osprey

[HD video below] Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and Boeing, has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to be delivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program.

The contract for the Block C aircraft includes support, training, and equipment.

The versatile V-22 tiltrotor will allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force greatly enhanced capabilities, while providing a platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters.

“This is an important day for the Bell Boeing team in Japan and for the U.S.-Japan Alliance,” said Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. “The V-22 redefines what’s operationally possible for a country, and we’re looking forward to delivering this capability to Japan as we continue our enduring partnership there.”

The V-22 is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps and the Air Force Special Operations Command. This year, the United States Navy announced their decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft.

“The Bell Boeing team is honored to have Japan as the first international customer for the V-22 tiltrotor,” said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter. “The distinct performance envelope of the V-22 will provide Japan with an ideal solution when the need arises. When assets are required on-target in a location without an airstrip, the self-deployable Osprey provides customers with an unrivaled combination of speed, range, and payload to execute a variety of missions.”

The Osprey’s mission capabilities include troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.

U.S. Marine Corps Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey Aerial Display @ Farnborough 2012 - HD

See more: HD Videos.