Nacelle Improvement Elevates Bell Boeing V-22 Readiness

April 20, 2026 Air Force, Bell, Defense Companies
U.S. Air Force CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing conduct tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling with an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd SOW during transit to Clark Air Base, Philippines, over international waters, July 26, 2025. The 353rd SOW is sending life-saving supplies and personnel to support the Philippine government’s disaster response efforts. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the 353rd SOW is working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide urgent lifesaving support to communities affected by consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cedrique Oldaker)

Bell announces results of Nacelle Improvement Program showing dramatic reduction in maintenance hours and maintainer time to improve readiness

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced initial results and benefits from more than 10,000 flight hours of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) CV-22 Ospreys with the Nacelle Improvement (NI) Program. The first of nine CV-22s with the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base received the NI upgrade in 2021, and the program has produced a 75 percent reduction in maintenance hours resulting in a significant boost in operational readiness and maintainability.

The V-22 Osprey nacelle houses critical power components to the V-22’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities and transition to forward flight. The NI program is a targeted upgrade designed to modernize the V-22’s nacelles. By simplifying wiring, enhancing structural components, and integrating fleet maintainer-informed feedback, NI improves the Osprey’s reliability, readiness, and sustainability for any mission for the next 30 years.

“Since the initial rollout, the CV-22 Nacelle Improvement has saved AFSOC more than 24,000 maintenance hours, equating to a savings of more than 1,000 days of maintainer time that can be used toward other high-priority needs,” said V-22 Joint Program Office Principal Military Deputy Program Manager and CV-22 Senior Materiel Leader. “CV-22 readiness saw more than a 10 percent increase; meaning more mission capable CV-22s on the flightline, which allows for further training and improved safety.”

Bell completes the NI modification at its Amarillo Assembly Center (AAC), which actively produces V-22s for the U.S. Department of War. The AAC assembles all variants of the Bell Boeing V-22 model – MV, CMV, and CV.

“The Nacelle Improvement Program enhances the V-22s reliability, flexibility, and global reach for combat and humanitarian missions alike,” said Kurt Fuller, senior vice president, Military Fielded Programs, Bell. “We are pleased to see these remarkable results from the NI program and look forward to continued collaboration to enhance focus on V-22 safety, sustainability, and readiness.”

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