Patuxent River, Md., (July 14, 2015) – Bell Boeing, a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter, a Textron [NYSE: TXT] company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], was awarded a U.S. Navy contract today for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to bedelivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program.

The contract for the Block C aircraft includes support, training, and equipment. The versatile V-22 tiltrotor will allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force greatly enhanced capabilities, while providing an ideal platform for relief efforts in response to natural disasters.

“The Bell Boeing team is honored to have Japan as the first international customer for the V-22 tiltrotor,” said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter. “The distinct performance envelope of the V-22 will provide Japan with an ideal solution when the need arises. When assets are required on-target in a location without an airstrip, the self-deployable Osprey provides customers with an unrivaled combination of speed, range, and payload to execute a variety of missions.”

The V-22 is currently in service with the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. This year, the United States Navy announced their decision to procure 44 V-22 aircraft.

“This is an important day for the Bell Boeing team in Japan and for the U.S.-Japan Alliance,” said Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. “The V-22 redefines what’s operationally possible for a country, and we’re looking forward to delivering this capability to Japan as we continue our enduring partnership there.”

The Osprey’s mission capabilities include troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.

BELL HELICOPTER Press