V-22 (Medium Lift)

The V-22 (Medium Lift) program is a major Department of Defense acquisition effort managed under Navy Aircraft Procurement, with the goal of providing a tilt-rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for joint service applications. The V-22 program supports the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with the MV-22 variant for amphibious and vertical assault missions, the United States Navy (USN) with the CMV-22 variant for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD), and supplements United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with the CV-22 for special mission requirements. The aircraft's unique tilt-rotor design enables it to combine the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft with the vertical lift capability of a helicopter. This supports rapid global deployment and flexible operational roles.

The MV-22 (USMC) line item is focused on the procurement and support of aircraft for the Marine Corps, fulfilling its Program of Record (POR). The MV-22 is designed to meet the Corps' need for rapid troop transport, equipment delivery, and amphibious assault operations. Key objectives include the acquisition of airframes, engines, government-furnished electronics, ancillary equipment, and recurring engineering change orders. The program has achieved Milestone III and Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Current budget requests are directed toward production line shutdown activities, including material disposition, tooling, test equipment, and technical data management. These efforts ensure an orderly transition as production winds down, while maintaining support for fielded aircraft.

The CMV-22 (USN) line item addresses the Navy's requirement for aircraft to replace the aging C-2A Greyhound fleet in the COD role. The CMV-22 variant incorporates modifications such as external conformal fuel tanks for extended range, high-frequency radios for over-water communications, improved cargo handling systems, and enhanced fuel jettison capabilities. The budget authorized procurement of additional CMV-22 aircraft above the POR, with funding allocated for airframes, engines, electronics, and production engineering support. The program achieved IOC in December 2021. Current objectives include finalizing production and supporting delivery schedules to meet Navy operational needs.

The CV-22 (USSOCOM) aircraft, while funded separately by USSOCOM and the Air Force, are included in the overall V-22 procurement objective. These aircraft are configured for special operations missions, emphasizing long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply capabilities in contested environments. Although not directly funded under this Navy budget line, the CV-22 program benefits from shared production infrastructure, technical data, and engineering support established for the MV-22 and CMV-22 variants.

A significant goal for FY 2026 is the V-22 Production Line Shutdown, which encompasses activities necessary to close out manufacturing operations at Bell Boeing and Allison Engine Co. Shutdown tasks include disposition of materials, tooling, and special test equipment, as well as procurement or disposition of technical data and long-term storage requirements. The budget also reflects reductions in advisory and assistance services and civilian personnel, in alignment with Executive Orders 14222 and 14210, which promote government efficiency and workforce optimization.

The V-22 program's objectives are justified by the need to maintain a modern, flexible medium-lift capability across multiple services, replacing legacy aircraft and enhancing operational reach. The procurement strategy leverages multi-year contracts and congressional adds to optimize production rates and cost efficiency. Engineering support and logistics funding ensure continued sustainment of delivered aircraft, while ancillary equipment and training systems support operational readiness. The program's phased approach to shutdown and transition is designed to minimize risk and preserve critical technical knowledge for future sustainment and potential upgrades.