Pentagon targets new V-22 Osprey gearboxes across fleet by 2027
The Pentagon intends for every Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey to receive a new proprotor gearbox by 2027. At a reported production rate of 12 units per month, questions have been raised about whether that timeline can be met.
The Pentagon wants a new gearbox on every Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey by 2027, according to an account of the programme. At 12 units a month, the arithmetic raises questions about whether that target can be reached.
That gearbox sits at the centre of the Osprey's design. The tiltrotor pairs a helicopter's vertical takeoff and landing ability with the speed and range of a conventional turboprop, a capability built around a complex drive system and a large proprotor gearbox.
No further details on the production plan or the schedule were provided.
Sources
- simpleflying.comThe Pentagon Says Every V-22 Osprey Gets A New Gearbox By 2027, But The Math Says Otherwise