Particle.news

Marine Corps Receives Final MV-22B Osprey

The delivery marks a shift from buying to long-term sustainment focused on wiring fixes, gearbox upgrades, and requirement work for a Next Generation Assault Support aircraft.

Overview

  • The Marine Corps accepted its last MV-22B on Tuesday July 28, 2026, completing the service’s program of record at 359 aircraft.
  • With production closed for the Corps, the service is moving to sustainment and modernization to keep MV-22Bs flying through 2055, prioritizing improved nacelle wiring, fleet configuration standardization, and parts redesigns.
  • Marines are pursuing mechanical fixes to prevent hard clutch engagements, including a redesigned input quill assembly and upgraded proprotor gearboxes made from refined steel to extend safe flight hours.
  • Safety limits put in place after a fatal CV-22 crash in November 2023 remain active, with NAVAIR-ordered gearbox inspections before flights and flight-hour restrictions until affected components are upgraded.
  • The Osprey reshaped Marine assault support with more than 686,500 flight hours across 114 deployments but has a worrisome safety record that includes 65 deaths through July 2025, and the Corps is simultaneously informing requirements for the NGAS replacement while Navy and Air Force V-22 variants finish their own buys.