U.S.' flagship V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft is getting an upgrade.

The V-22 Osprey is set to undergo a new series of upgrades to its onboard systems. Designed by Bell and Boeing, this tiltrotor aircraft entered operational service with the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007. Its flight control system is now entering a new phase of modernization. A $90.83 million order awarded to Bell Boeing will fund further development, with work scheduled for completion in October 2030.

The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Bell Boeing a $90.83 million contract modification to continue the modernization and redesign of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft's flight control system. (Picture source: US DoD)

The existing flight control architecture already relies on digital fly-by-wire technology with triple redundancy. The new project focuses on replacing electronic equipment, some components of which have become obsolete. Bell Boeing will continue the redesign of the Osprey's Flight Control System (FCS). The work includes the development of replacement flight control computers (FCCs), cockpit interface units (CIUs) and associated test equipment. These upgrades are intended to meet the requirements of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as foreign customers participating in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The order addresses three main priorities: aging electronic components, cybersecurity requirements and the declining availability of certain manufacturing sources. Bell Boeing will be responsible for developing a system that can be maintained throughout the remainder of the V-22's operational service life. The contract also covers software development, technical documentation and logistical support needed for future procurement and maintenance. The aim is to ensure that the redesigned system can be supported over the long term. However, the contract announcement does not specify the exact models of the new computers or their processing capabilities. It also does not confirm the introduction of new flight control functions or a complete replacement of the cockpit.

Related topic: US Marine Corps modernizes 360 MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to keep them in service until the 2050s

This modernization effort has been underway for several years. In September 2021, the Pentagon had already announced a $214.39 million order covering the redesign of flight control computers, cockpit interfaces and test equipment. The October 2026 award therefore represents a continuation of an existing program. It comes nearly two decades after the MV-22B achieved initial operational capability in June 2007. Despite its distinctive design, the Osprey is now part of an aging fleet that requires continued technological upgrades to remain operational.

The latest order was awarded on October 15, 2026, by Naval Air Systems Command. The contract is valued at exactly $90,826,949 and was awarded without competitive bidding under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N0001922G0002. Work will be carried out at several facilities across the United States, primarily in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Mesa, Arizona and Fort Worth, Texas.

The modernization also comes amid broader efforts to improve the Osprey's safety and operational availability. In December 2025, NAVAIR published a comprehensive program review containing 32 recommendations. Separate measures had previously addressed the aircraft's proprotor gearboxes (PRGBs), including inspections and operational restrictions announced in December 2024. These mechanical issues remain distinct from the ongoing modernization of the electronic flight control system.

The October 2030 deadline marks the expected completion of the work covered by this order. Neither the number of aircraft to be upgraded nor the deployment schedule has been specified. This means that the deadline should not be interpreted as confirmation that the entire Osprey fleet will have received the new equipment by that date. Bell Boeing must first complete the development of the redesigned flight control system and prepare the necessary support arrangements. The upgrade is intended to keep the V-22's electronic systems reliable, maintainable and compliant with evolving requirements throughout its remaining years of service.

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