Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey prototype (the first of six) completed its maiden flight on March 19, 1989, in Arlington, Texas. Key Flight Milestones The initial testing phase occurred in two distinct flight modes: Helicopter Mode: The first flight on March 19, 1989, was conducted in helicopter mode. Fixed-Wing Mode: The first full conversion to fixed-wing flight took place later that year on September 14, 1989. Sea Trials: Initial sea trials were completed in December 1990 aboard the USS Wasp using th