Airbus Helicopters Presents Next-Generation Rotorcraft Concepts for NATO NGRC Studies
Airbus Helicopters has presented its next-generation rotorcraft concepts as part of the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) study, which aims to shape future military aviation requirements.
The proposal submitted to NATO has been developed by Airbus Helicopters in collaboration with RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, as well as MBDA. It includes two complementary concepts: a conventional medium helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft. Together, the platforms are intended to support a range of operational requirements while allowing commonality across fleets.
Modularity and simplicity form the foundation of the NGRC concepts. The designs are based on a Modular Open System Architecture, allowing easier manufacturing, maintenance, upgrades and long-term cost control. Both rotorcraft concepts are planned to share common elements in areas such as training, maintenance, systems and weapons integration.
Bruno Even, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, said the objective is to support European and allied armed forces with solutions that balance affordability, availability and operational needs across both conventional and high-speed rotorcraft. He added that the concepts are intended to encourage further dialogue with military partners as their future operational requirements evolve.
Alongside NGRC studies, Airbus Helicopters continues to develop its current military portfolio. This includes ongoing evolution studies for the NH90 across the Block 1 and Block 2 roadmaps, as well as the operational use of platforms such as the H145M, H160M, and H225M. Work is also underway on future rotorcraft technologies, including connectivity, cybersecurity, crewed-uncrewed teaming, survivability and repair concepts.
In July 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract to lead a concept study under the NGRC programme. The study focuses on the design, development, delivery and support of a future medium multi-role helicopter.
The high-speed compound rotorcraft concept builds on Airbus’ prior research and flight-test experience, including lessons from the X3 and Racer demonstrators. Flight evaluations conducted with military pilots under European research programmes have contributed to refining the design approach and performance expectations for the proposed NGRC solutions.
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