In a milestone moment filled with pride and reflection, Bell Textron Inc. marked the delivery of the final CV-22 Osprey for the U.S. Air Force’s program of record on Thursday. Military leaders, local officials, employees, and their families gathered at the Amarillo Assembly Center to commemorate more than two decades of innovation, teamwork, and service.
The CV-22, a tiltrotor aircraft that takes off like a helicopter and flies like a plane, has been a critical tool for Air Force Special Operations Command. Its speed, range, and ability to operate in tough environments have helped redefine what’s possible in modern aerial missions.
“This is the culmination of the CV-22 program of record,” said Sonja Clark, site leader at the Amarillo plant. “We’ve now delivered 56 CV-22s to the Air Force and more than 450 Ospreys overall.”
But Thursday’s event wasn’t a farewell — more of a baton pass. While this may be the final CV-22, Bell’s Amarillo facility isn’t slowing down. The team will continue building Osprey variants for the Navy and Marine Corps, and focus on future aircraft like the U.S. Army’s next-generation tiltrotor, the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
A Legacy Built in Amarillo
Bell has been part of the Amarillo community for 26 years. Nearly 600 employees work at the facility today, with generations of families proud to have a hand in producing one of the most unique aircraft in the world.
“We see fathers and daughters, husbands and wives — it’s become part of the community’s identity,” Clark said.
The CV-22’s history traces back to the 1980s when the Department of Defense launched a bold plan to create a single aircraft for multiple military branches. Bell and Boeing teamed up, and after decades of research, testing, and refinement, the V-22 Osprey became a symbol of American ingenuity and adaptability.
“It’s at least twice as fast and can go twice as far as a traditional helicopter,” said Tom Currie, Bell’s vice president of flight operations and a former Air Force test pilot who flew both the first and final CV-22s for the service. “That changes everything for a mission.”
Bell and Boeing: A 50/50 Partnership
Kathleen Jolivette, a senior executive at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, spoke about the deep cooperation between the two aerospace giants.
“We each bring our expertise to the table,” she said. “Boeing builds the fuselage and cockpit in Philadelphia, then ships it to Amarillo where Bell completes the aircraft and conducts test flights.”
Building the Osprey is no small task. The tiltrotor design presents engineering challenges unlike anything else in aviation. But the results — a craft that can land without a runway and fly over long distances — have proven invaluable.
What’s Next: FLRAA and Beyond
While one chapter closes, another begins. Bell is already looking ahead with FLRAA, a cutting-edge tiltrotor selected by the Army to replace aging Black Hawks. It borrows from the V-22’s success while incorporating modern materials and systems.
“The V-280, which led to FLRAA, is lighter and even more advanced,” said Currie. “We’ve learned so much from the Osprey, and now we’re applying that to what comes next.”
Bell and Boeing leaders are confident that tiltrotor technology will continue to play a critical role in military operations — and maybe even beyond.
Amarillo’s Moment
The ceremony wasn’t just a company milestone. It was a celebration for the Amarillo community, whose skilled labor force and strong support have powered the program from the start.
“This is proof that Amarillo is critical to our national defense,” said U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, who attended the event alongside top Air Force brass and Bell leadership. “The people here build aircraft that save lives and serve missions around the world.”
For many at the event, the emotion was palpable — pride in the past and excitement for the future.
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