After a series of successful tests, the U.S. Navy last month certified that the Boeing Phantom Badger combat support vehicle can be transported inside a V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. That is another step toward providing warfighters with more options to deploy the versatile vehicle.

The tests included form-fit checks, pressure tests and structural evaluations exceeding four G-forces.

"This certification validates Phantom Badger's versatile design while offering the warfighter increased battlefield access and deployment options," said John Chicoli, program manager for Boeing's internally transportable vehicle program. "Phantom Badger is designed to easily fit in the compact space of the V-22 and it is also compatible with many larger aircraft."

Ten Phantom Badgers fit in a C-17 transport aircraft and two fit in a C-130 aircraft or CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Phantom Badger has completed more than 5,000 miles of rugged terrain durability testing and successful airdrop tests from a C-17.

Developed by Boeing Phantom Works, Phantom Badger supports a wide range of missions not possible with existing combat support vehicles. Its rear section is modular and can be quickly changed for missions including reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, casualty transport, direct action with weapons mounts or explosive ordnance disposal.

This combination of modularity, transportability and proven all-terrain performance provides increased mission flexibility and enhanced survivability.

Phantom Badger will be part of the Bell Boeing V-22 display April 8-9 in booth #1646 during the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition at National Harbor, Md.