Update: CMV-22B passes IOC milestone as first CVN deployment completes

The US Navy's CMV-22B Osprey carrier onboard delivery aircraft achieved initial operating capability. (US Navy)

The US Navy's (USN's) Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft achieved initial operating capability (IOC) following completion of the type's first operational deployment as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG), the USN confirmed on18 February.

With the IOC confirmation, the USN is acknowledging the platform's operational readiness. An initial USN declaration of IOC had occurred on 14 December 2021, aligning with the scheduled first-quarter fiscal year requirement.

Selected in 2015 as a replacement for the USN's legacy C-2A Greyhound COD aircraft, the CMV-22B is a variant of the Bell-Boeing MV-22 tiltrotor incorporating adaptations for the COD mission. Specific changes include: aft/forward external conformal fuel tanks on wings and sponsons for increased range, a public address system for use while transporting passengers, a fuel jettison capability, cargo bay and loading ramp lighting, and secure beyond-line-of-sight communications with a high frequency radio.

Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 – the first CMV-22B squadron – deployed with aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in August 2021 as part of Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) alongside Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye squadrons. The composition of CVW-2 was largely representative of the USN's proposed future airwing.

VRM 30 Detachment 1 (DET 1) embarked three CMV-22B aircraft for its maiden deployment with Carl Vinson . According to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), VRM 30 DET 1 demonstrated a mission completion rate of 98% and a mission capable rate of 75% during the CSG's eight-month deployment into the US 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations.