Chronology of the V-22 Osprey
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Key dates in development of the V-22 Osprey:
June 1981: V-22 predecessor demonstrated at Paris Air Show.
April 1983: Bell and Boeing awarded preliminary design contract.
June 1986: Contract awarded for full-scale development, with 12-aircraft pilot production option.
March 1989: First flight of V-22 prototype.
April 1989: Program terminated in Pentagon budget request.
December 1989: Defense Secretary Dick Cheney directs Navy to terminate all production contracts with Bell-Boeing team.
June 1991: V-22 prototype crashes in Delaware minutes after taking off on maiden flight. Both pilots suffered minor injuries.
November 1991: Congress continues to approve money for V-22. Cheney continues refusing to spend it.
July 1992: Seven killed as another prototype crashes while landing in Virginia.
October 1992: Navy agrees to continue program. Terminates old contract and awards new one for cheaper, lighter V-22 variant.
September 1994: Pentagon review board issues nonbinding recommendation for Osprey production.
June 1996: Navy awards contract granting advanced production money.
November 1996: Bell and Boeing announce civilian model.
March 1997: First working test model delivered to Navy.
April 1997: Osprey clears final hurdle for production. Navy approves $402 million for first five aircraft.
May 1997: Pentagon recommends accelerating production schedule because of “urgent need” to replace aging CH-46 helicopters. Congressional supporters promise to push for even faster purchase.
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