Bell has completed assembly of the first two wing structures for the MV-75 Cheyenne, marking a key development milestone as the programme advances toward flight testing and production.
Bell Textron has completed assembly of the first two wing structures for the MV-75 Cheyenne, achieving a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. military’s next-generation tiltrotor aircraft programme.
The completed wing structures will be integrated into the first two MV-75 test aircraft as the programme moves into the next phase of assembly and preparation for testing.
Key structural milestone achieved
The tiltrotor wing forms a central component of the MV-75 Cheyenne airframe, providing structural strength, stiffness and survivability characteristics required for operational performance.
According to Bell, all key wing components are manufactured in-house, including composite wing skins, spars, aluminium substructures and final assembly.
The company noted that experience gained from decades of V-22 Osprey production has been incorporated into the design and manufacturing process for the new aircraft.
Production efficiencies demonstrated
Bell reported significant manufacturing efficiencies during the construction of the first two wing structures.
The first wing, completed in February, required approximately 90% fewer labour hours than the initial V-22 wing assembly. The second wing was produced with a further 40% reduction in labour hours compared with the first MV-75 wing, reflecting continued refinement of manufacturing processes and assembly sequencing.
The company said these improvements support affordability objectives and production readiness as the programme progresses.
Assembly advances toward test phase
With the wing structures complete, Bell is now integrating systems provisions before the wings are joined with the fuselage and nacelle assemblies.
The fuselage is currently under assembly at Bell’s Wichita Assembly Center, while nacelle production is also progressing.
Bell stated that lessons learned during assembly will continue to inform manufacturing improvements as additional aircraft are produced.
Programme momentum continues
The completion of the first two wing structures represents another step forward for the MV-75 Cheyenne programme as Bell advances toward aircraft testing and future production activities.
The company said the milestone reflects ongoing progress while maintaining established standards for quality and safety throughout the development
SOURCE: BELL TEXTRON INC
