As the Bell Boeing V-22 garners attention from global military forces for its unparalleled capabilities, operators continue to showcase the tiltrotor’s benefits. Bell Boeing customer Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s (JGSDF) Transportation Aviation Group (TAG) officially began flight operations at Kisarazu Air Field on Nov. 6. Bell Boeing, in conjunction with the U.S. government, delivered the first V-22 aircraft to the defense force over the summer – a major milestone amidst a global pandemic.
“The JGSDF (Japan Ground Self Defense Force) is taking a big step toward integrating the V-22’s unique capabilities into its mission,” said Col. Matthew Kelly, program manager for the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275). “Beginning with Japan’s selection of the V-22 in 2015, it has been an honor working with our international ally and partner to make this program a reality.”
In addition to the JGSDF, the V-22 is critical to three U.S. branches of military, the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. For the U.S. Special Operations Forces, the CV-22 supports long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions. The Marine Corps’ MV-22B provides assault support transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. The CMV-22B is the Navy’s carrier onboard delivery replacement aircraft, currently in flight test.
The quality and safety built into the V-22 has been battle-tested with global operators completing more than a half-million fleet flight hours of extensive operational and humanitarian efforts throughout the world. The V-22 offers a dynamic vertical takeoff and landing ability that allows it to access critical environments and navigate marine environments. It continues to perform missions day in and day out, transporting marines, airmen, sailors and soldiers to and from the fight over longer ranges and at higher speeds than conventional rotorcraft. This incredible platform enables the completion of tasks that were not previously possible before and saves lives, making it an exceptional asset in the military aircraft market.
