HelicoptersAirbus presents two rotorcraft concepts for NATO next-generation program
Airbus Helicopters has presented two rotorcraft concepts to meet the requirements of NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program, as part of a study contract awarded in 2024 by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
The proposal includes a conventional high-performance helicopter and a high-speed compound design. Airbus is leading the study in cooperation with RTX units Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, as well as missile manufacturer MBDA.
The NGRC initiative seeks a medium multi-role platform to replace several existing military helicopter fleets in NATO member states in the 2035 timeframe and beyond. Participating nations aim to define common requirements to reduce development and support costs.
Airbus said both concepts share a modular architecture intended to simplify manufacturing, maintenance and future upgrades. The company also indicated that the two designs would retain common elements in areas such as training, logistics and mission systems.
The compound configuration draws on Airbus’ prior demonstrators, including the X3 and the Racer, which combine a main rotor with additional propellers and fixed wings to increase forward speed. Flight evaluations of the Racer under European research programs involved military pilots assessing handling and operational characteristics.
Airbus Helicopters Chief Executive Bruno Even said the concepts are intended to serve as a basis for further discussions with NATO partners regarding operational needs and long-term fleet planning.
The company did not provide performance targets or a timeline for a potential development phase. The NGRC study is focused on defining technical options and industrial approaches before member states decide on a formal acquisition program.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
