Brenda Marie Rivers
Textron’s Bell subsidiary has begun conceptual studies to inform the development of a version of its V-22 Osprey aircraft intended for VIP customers such as heads of state, FlightGlobal Magazine reported Wednesday.
The V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, which Bell currently manufactures in partnership with Boeing, has a capacity of 24 personnel and is currently used for troop transport missions.
According to a statement from Bell, the company plans to “assess some of the options available†for a VIP-focused V-22 aircraft including an expanded layout and three-person seating.
However, Bell noted that it has “no current plans to certify†the VIP Osprey for civilian applications.
The U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have all deployed the V-22 for their respective missions. The government of Japan also uses the tiltrotor aircraft as Bell’s only foreign military sales customer.
