Bell Advances MV-75 Cheyenne Program with Completion of First Two Wing Structures

Bell Textron has reached a major development milestone in its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program, successfully completing the assembly of the first two wing structures for the MV-75 Cheyenne. The achievement marks a significant step toward flight testing and eventual production of the U.S. Army’s next-generation tiltrotor aircraft.

The newly completed wings will be integrated into the first two MV-75 test aircraft, advancing assembly activities as Bell moves closer to the program’s critical testing phase. The wing structure is one of the most important elements of the aircraft, serving as the primary structural backbone while providing the strength, stiffness and survivability required for military operations.

As a pioneer in tiltrotor technology, Bell has leveraged decades of experience gained through production of the V-22 Osprey to streamline the design and manufacturing process for the MV-75. The company manufactures all major wing components in-house, including composite wing skins and spars, tailored aluminium substructures and final assembly.

“After decades of building V-22 wings, we’ve learned new ways to do things better, faster and smarter by implementing these lessons into the design upfront,” said Culley Shafer, Bell’s Director of Operations in Amarillo. “The team is constantly evolving, making adjustments, refining sequencing and implementing engineering changes to keep raising the bar on quality, safety and efficiency.”

The results of those improvements are already evident. Bell reported that the first MV-75 wing, completed in February, required approximately 90% fewer labour hours than the initial V-22 wing build. The second wing demonstrated even greater efficiency, with a further 40% reduction in labour hours compared with the first MV-75 structure. The achievement highlights Bell’s emphasis on affordability, manufacturing efficiency and production readiness, factors that will be critical as the program transitions from development into full-rate production.

With structural assembly complete, engineers are now installing system provisions within the wings before they are joined with other major aircraft components. The next phase of assembly will involve mating the wing structures to the fuselage, currently under construction at Bell’s Wichita Assembly Centre, as well as integrating the nacelles, which are also progressing through production.

“As the assembly line continues to evolve, and systems content starts being populated into wings, we’ll keep learning and improving,” Shafer said. “This ongoing innovation will help shape how we build this aircraft for decades to come.”

The milestone underscores Bell’s continued momentum on the MV-75 Cheyenne program and reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a highly capable next-generation assault aircraft while maintaining rigorous standards for quality and safety.

As work progresses on the first test aircraft, Bell is steadily accelerating toward the next major program milestones, including ground and flight testing, bringing the MV-75 one step closer to operational service with the U.S. Army.