Boeing Bell producing more V-22 simulators

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PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The Bell Boeing joint venture for V-22 tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft has received a U.S. Marine Corp contract to produce seven Osprey ground trainer systems.

The Containerized Flight Training Devices train aircrews on basic aircraft familiarization and handling, day and night flying, formation flying, aerial refueling and landing on ships.

The contract for the systems is worth $74 million and features an option for one additional trainer.

"Our trainers prepare warfighters for any task that might be performed in the aircraft while keeping crews and aircraft safely on the ground," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Government Services.

"This positions the Bell Boeing team as the sole, experienced provider for future international sales, as well."

The V-22 is has both vertical takeoff and landing capability and short takeoff and landing capability and is flown by the Marines and the Special Operations Command of the U.S. Air Force. More than 145 V-22 aircraft are in operation.

Bell Boeing has delivered, or is on contract to deliver, 28 training systems to the U.S. military. The first two CFTDs under the new order will be delivered in 2014 and the remainder in 2015.