Bell will integrate the two wings into the first two MV-75 test aircraft. The company said completion of the structures marks progress toward the programme’s test phase and production.
The tiltrotor wing is a key structural element of the MV-75. Bell said it provides the aircraft’s structural backbone with strength, optimised stiffness and enhanced survivability.
Bell said tiltrotor wings are a core competency for the company. Key components, including composite wing skins and spars, the tailored aluminium substructure and assembly, are produced within Bell facilities.
“After decades of building V-22 wings, we’ve learned new ways to do things better, faster and smarter by implementing these lessons into the design upfront,” said Culley Shafer, director of operations, Amarillo, Bell. “The team is constantly evolving, making adjustments, refining sequencing and implementing engineering changes to keep raising the bar on quality, safety and efficiency.”
The first MV-75 wing was completed in February. Bell said it was fabricated with 90% fewer labour hours compared with the initial V-22 wing build.
The second wing was produced with a further 40% reduction in labour hours. The company said the result highlights its focus on affordability and production readiness.
Bell is now integrating system provisions into the wing structures. The next stage of assembly will involve mating the wing structures with the fuselage and the nacelle.
The fuselage is currently being assembled at the Wichita Assembly Center. The nacelle is also progressing through assembly, according to the company.
“As the assembly line continues to evolve, and systems content starts being populated into wings, we’ll keep learning and improving. This ongoing innovation will help shape how we build this aircraft for decades to come,” said Shafer.
Bell said the milestone underscores its commitment to advancing the MV-75 Cheyenne programme while maintaining quality and safety standards. The company said the completed wing structures represent significant progress on the MV-75 test aircraft.
