Second V-22 Multi-Year Buys 99 Ospreys

June 13, 2013 10:11 AM
MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 as it launches from the flight deck of the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) on April 23, 2013.
MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 as it launches from the flight deck of the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) on April 23, 2013.

The Department of the Navy has kicked off its second multi-year buy for 99 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft with option for 22 more, a NAVAIR official told USNI News on Thursday.

The Pentagon issued a $4.89 billion contract for the Ospreys on Wednesday with Textron’s Bell Helicopter division and Boeing.

Of the 99 aircraft The U.S. Marine Corps will operate 92 of the Bell-Boeing aircraft as MV-22s and seven will be operated by the U.S. Air Force as CV-22s.

The multi-year sheds an estimated $1 billion in costs over buying the aircraft individually, according to Jim O’Donnell from Naval Air Systems Command.

The Pentagon’s goal is for a planned total of 458 Ospreys, split between 360 for the Marines, 50 for the Air Force and an eventual 48 for the Navy.

This will be the second multi-year deal for the V-22, following a $10.4 billion deal with Bell Boeing for 167 of the aircraft in 2008.

The Osprey has been in operational use since 2007 in both Afghanistan and Iraq with a total of 214 in service with the Marines and the Air Force.

The news of the multi-year follows an announcement from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Israel planned to buy the aircraft for the countries special operations forces. Estimates indicate Israel would by five of the aircraft for $70 million a copy.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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