Bell Boeing awards Osprey support contract

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 14 (UPI) -- Bell Boeing has contracted GE-Aviation to support a V-22 Osprey aircraft production deal with the U.S. military.

Under the five-year, $190 million contract, GE-Aviation will supply its integrated systems and equipment for the production of 167 V-22 aircraft, which include the MV-22 Osprey for the U.S. Marine Corps and CV-22 Osprey for the Air Force Special Operations Command.

The V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft is capable of vertical takeoffs and landings like a conventional helicopter with additionally long-range cruise performance through the aircraft's turboprop configuration.

"This selection positions GE to be recognized as a tier one supplier and partner with Bell Boeing for their past and future platforms," John Ferrie, GE Aviation Systems president, said in a statement.

"We are keen to deliver enhanced value through the development of systems architectures utilizing our key technologies," Ferrie said.

Officials say GE's Middle River Aircraft Systems will supply the V-22 Osprey aircraft structures.