Japan has conducted flight operations of the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft at Kisarazu Air Field, Chiba Prefecture. This aircraft made by Bell Boeing has been officially used by the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) since November 6, 2022
With the official operation of the V-22 Osprey by the JGSDF Transport Aviation Group, Japan has become the second country to use this hybrid aircraft after the United States (US).
“The JGSDF has taken a major step towards integrating the unique capabilities of the V-22 into its mission,” said Colonel Matthew Kelly, Program Manager for the V-22 Joint Programs Office (PMA-275).
Since the last few months, the international team of PMA-275 has been working closely with JGSDF to resolve the necessary maintenance issues and the delivery of parts and initial operational support equipment.
To support this need, these aircraft operators have also collaborated, including Marine Corps Air Base Iwakuni, West Pacific Fleet Readiness Center, Bell Boeing, and Rolls-Royce.
“The PMA-275 team is coordinating with our partners, both industry and Department of Defense worldwide to ensure the JGSDF has the resources to ensure long-term success for its V-22,” said Kelly.
In the US, the V-22 Osprey is used by three branches of the military, namely the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
This aircraft is also used by the US Special Operations Forces, namely the CV-22 variant, to support long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions.
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.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22B provides transport of strike support for combat troops, supplies and equipment during expeditions, as well as joint operations.
Meanwhile, the Navy’s version, CMV-22B, is a replacement aircraft for delivery on Navy aircraft carriers which are currently completing flight tests.
