CV-22

The CV-22 Program Element (PE 0401318F) is focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of the Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF) variant of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The primary goal of this program is to provide long-range, high-speed infiltration, exfiltration, personnel recovery, and resupply capabilities for Special Forces teams operating in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments. The program is managed jointly, with the Navy serving as the lead service for the V-22 platform. The Air Force funds service-common modifications and USSOCOM supports SOF-specific systems.

Within this program, the CV-22 RDT&E Post Production (Project 676033) line item is dedicated to developing, integrating, and testing critical aircraft modifications that enhance operational effectiveness, survivability, and aircraft availability. This includes both airframe enhancements and improvements to self-deployment capabilities. The objective is to ensure the CV-22 remains a viable and reliable platform as it ages, addressing emerging threats and operational requirements through targeted upgrades.

Airframe Enhancements are a significant focus of the CV-22 RDT&E efforts. These enhancements involve the design, development, and testing of improvements to airframe structures, electro-mechanical and hydraulic hardware, and dynamic components such as rotor blades and gearboxes. The goal is to counteract structural fatigue, extend the service life of critical components, and improve maintainability. Projects include efforts to address obsolescence and reliability issues that could impact mission readiness.

Enhanced Self-Deployment Capabilities represent another major objective of this budget line. These efforts are aimed at improving the CV-22's ability to deploy independently over long distances and in diverse operational environments. Key areas of development include improved ice protection, engine performance upgrades, avionics modernization, enhanced navigation and communications systems, and advanced electronic warfare and situational awareness tools. Planned projects have included support for networking systems, flight computer redesigns, and cockpit technology replacements to ensure the aircraft can meet evolving mission demands.

The program also supports engineering technical support, studies, and quick-reaction capability prototypes to accelerate technology transition and insertion. This includes requirements definition, system integration lab activities, and the development of training systems and equipment. These efforts are intended to ensure that the CV-22 can rapidly adapt to new operational requirements and incorporate emerging technologies as they become available.

The acquisition strategy for the CV-22 leverages both sole-source and competitive contracts, depending on the nature of the work and the level of integration required. The prime contractor has historically performed most development activities, but the program is seeking to increase competition where feasible. This approach is intended to promote innovation, cost efficiency, and timely delivery of capability enhancements.