Air Force
MQ-25 and V-22: two contracts worth $171 million from the US Navy – a new flight control system for the Osprey
The Naval Air Systems Command awarded two contracts worth about $171 million for the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, according to the Pentagon’s October 16 contract list. Neither was competed.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) of the US Navy awarded two contracts with a combined value of about 171 million dollars for the unmanned flying tanker MQ-25A Stingray and for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The contracts appear in the US Department of War’s daily contracts list for October 16. Neither was awarded through a competitive process.
Boeing of St. Louis receives an indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling of 80 million dollars for system improvements, configuration development, integration, production readiness and support for the MQ-25A. According to the department, the contract supports the continued development and integration of configurations of the aircraft so that its capabilities are maintained and improved. The work will be done in St. Louis and will be completed in October 2031. No funds were obligated at the time of award, since money will be released through separate orders. The contract number is N0001927D1006.
The MQ-25A was designed to refuel carrier fighters in flight and free the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets that currently do that job. Boeing’s test aircraft passed its first deck trials on the USS George H.W. Bush in December 2021.
New flight control computers for the V-22
The Bell Boeing joint venture received on October 15 an order of 90,826,949 dollars to continue the redesign of the V-22’s flight control system. The project includes new flight control computers, cockpit interface units and test equipment, as well as software, documentation and support material for future procurement. It covers the Air Force, the Marine Corps and the US Navy, but also foreign customers through the FMS programme. According to the department, the upgrades respond to ageing electronics, cybersecurity requirements and the gradual disappearance of component suppliers, so that the fleet can be supported for the rest of its operational life.
52% of the work will be done in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, 42% in Mesa, Arizona, 5% in Fort Worth, Texas and the rest at other US locations, with completion in October 2030. About 4.87 million dollars were obligated at award from Air Force and Navy research and development funds and from foreign customers’ funds. The Marines’ MV-22s also operate from the amphibious ships of the Wasp and America classes.
