Base Delivers Third Aircraft to OEM

Technicians from the US Air Force’s 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have delivered the third CV-22 from Cannon Air Force Base to Bell Labs Amarillo Assembly Center, as the user and OEM work together to improve maintainability of the platform’s complicated and critical nacelles.

Around 60% of maintenance on the Osprey takes place in and on the nacelles, which swivel to provide the aircraft with the capability to take off and land vertically and to transition for high-speed forward flight. The 727th’s collaboration with Bell Boeing will help ensure that modifications to the nacelle help to drive down costs and timescales for future maintenance work.

“We are working closely with Bell Boeing to provide real-time feedback to help improve the outcome of future nacelle improved CV-22 aircraft,” said Chief Master Sergeant Sean Ellenburg. “We are optimistic these ongoing changes will increase flying time while decreasing the maintenance manhours needed to ensure the aircraft’s readiness.

“It’s a huge sense of pride knowing we get to partner with a customer,” said Bell’s Amarillo site leader, Sonja Clark. “Their mission is our mission. It was truly through the partnership and utilizing their direct feedback that is allowing us to make our product better.”