© Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has introduced new aircraft ideas for NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) program.
Working with RTX companies Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, as well as MBDA, Airbus proposed two designs. One is a high-performance traditional helicopter. The other is a new high-speed compound helicopter. Together, they are designed to work efficiently and complement each other in military operations.
Airbus focused on keeping the designs simple and modular. This means the aircraft would be easier to build, maintain, and upgrade over time. The use of a Modular Open System Architecture would also help reduce long-term costs. Both concepts would share common parts, training systems, weapons, and maintenance processes, making them easier to operate as a fleet.
In July 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract to lead a concept study for the NGRC project. The goal is to design, develop, deliver, and support a medium multi-role helicopter for NATO members.
Airbus’ advanced design builds on its experience with military helicopters and high-speed flight technology, especially from its X3 and Racer demonstrator aircraft. This compound design allows much higher speeds than traditional helicopters. It also expands the aircraft’s flight capabilities, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration, as well as quicker climbs and descents.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said:
“We want to ensure that Europe is in a position to propose a platform that will best fit our military partners’ needs in terms of affordability, operational efficiency and maximum availability for both the conventional helicopter and for the high speed rotorcraft. These two concepts are a basis to further exchange with our military partners on their vision and need for future military operations.”
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