Bell Boeing delivered the first V-22 Osprey to Camp Kisarazu in Japan on 10 July. The Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) is the first operator of the V-22 outside of the US military. The V-22 can conduct multiple missions not possible with traditional rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft, improving mission efficiency and reducing logistic costs. Japan’s V-22 has a unique configuration with a customer-specific communication system. The special design resists corrosion and reduces the cost of long-term maintenance. JGSDF service members have been training with US Marines for the last month to gain aircraft proficiency before delivery of their first V-22.
“The delivery of the first Japanese V-22 is an important milestone and represents our strong partnership with the Government of Japan,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing vice president of Tiltrotor Programmes and Bell Boeing deputy programme director. “The Osprey’s ability to carry out the toughest missions in the most challenging operating environments will reshape what is possible for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.”
Japan joins the United States Marines, Navy, and Air Force in operating the V-22. These aircraft support multiple missions, including the transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment; humanitarian support and search and rescue missions; long-range personnel recovery. With more than 500,000 flight hours, the V-22 is one of the most in-demand platforms in military aviation, providing safe, survivable, combat-proven mission success only capable with the tiltrotor range, speed and versatility of the Osprey.
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