A V-22 Osprey has been successfully fitted with a rocket pod system, giving teeth to the tiltrotor transport.

Bell Helicopter says the Bell Boeing plane, in service with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command, demonstrated its new forward-firing capability last month at the U.S. Army Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz.

"The forward-firing demonstration was a great success," said Vince Tobin, vice president and program manager for the Bell Boeing V-22. "We've shown the V-22 can be armed with a variety of forward-facing munitions, and can hit their targets with a high degree of reliability.

"Integrating a forward-firing capability to the Osprey will increase its mission set. These weapons, once installed, will provide added firepower and reduce reliance on Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) which are sometimes necessary to supply short range attack rotorcraft in support of V-22 operations.

"Without the need for FARPs, V-22s can be launched more frequently, and on shorter notice," he said.

The Osprey, with its vertical takeoff and landing capability, is used for a variety of missions, including delivering troops for combat operations and medical evacuations.

Bell said it began design work for arming the V-22 in the middle of last year.

No indication was given as to when forward-firing weapons would become a standard feature of the aircraft.