AW&ST , Feb 25, 2014:
Bell Tests V-22 JSF Engine Carrying Capability
Bell Helicopter has been evaluating the ability of its MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor to carry the engine of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The trials, part of the company’s ongoing work to prove the Osprey as a potential successor to the Grumman C-2 Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft, saw the company load a frame designed by Pratt & Whitney to carry the power section of the F135 engine loaded into the rear cabin of the Osprey.
“The container for the engine is too large to be carried in the aircraft,” said Bell CEO John Garrison on the eve of Heli-Expo 2014. He said the engine would instead be mounted in the frame, allowing the cabin of the aircraft to act as the engine’s container. It would not include the lift fan of the F-35B.
“The Marines are particularly interested in the capability,” Garrison said.
The trials were conducted using Bell’s V-22 technology demonstration aircraft in mid-February. Trials have already seen the aircraft operate from one of the Navy’s CVN carriers as well as ships and helicopter carriers from other world navies.......