The MV-22 program was projected to achieve a full-rate production decision by December 2000, but the Marine Corps recommended a delay of the decision in the wake of the Osprey's two fatal accidents that year. Flight-testing resumed in May 2002, with three MV-22Bs (Nos. 8, 10 and 21) and one Air Force CV-22B participating in the restructured, event-driven test program by the end of 2002. In early November 2002, the V-22 Integrated Test Team passed the l00-hour mark in flight time since the Osprey returned to test-flight status. No.100 which has been flying with new flight-control and mission-computer software-was scheduled for roll-on-deck testing by January 2003, both on land and on board the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. Seven LRIP and two EMD MV-22Bs were engaged in flight-testing by mid-summer 2003, as were the two CV-22B EMD aircraft. Deliveries of the reconfigured MV-22B-the Block A version began in November 2003. Block A aircraft will be limited to training and development roles. Operational squadrons will be equipped with the Block B version now under development. A joint development squadron dedicated to the Osprey, VMX-22, was activated on Aug. 28, 2003. The Marine Corps has a requirement for 360 MV-22Bs. The fiscal year 2003 budget authorized the LRIP of 11 MV-22Bs.

Source: Sea Power 2004 Almanac, published by Navy League.
Photographs provided byKenneth W. Moritz
Director, Business Development V-22 Joint Program Office