Airbus Helicopters has unveiled its next-generation helicopter and related concepts developed to meet the requirements of NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) study. Additionally, Airbus’ proposal to NATO combines a high-performance conventional helicopter with an innovative high-speed “compound” concept. This combination aims to provide operational efficiency and fleet complementarity for military partners.
In Airbus’ NGRC proposal, modularity and simplicity stand out as core principles. The design philosophy also aims to deliver platforms that are easy to manufacture, maintain, and upgrade. To ensure long-term cost-effectiveness, the approach leverages a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). The two introduced concepts are planned to share a high degree of commonality and connectivity in terms of maintenance, training, weapons, and systems.
Two Different Approaches to Operational Efficiency
Airbus’ solution for NATO brings together two main configurations optimized for operational needs. One approach encompasses a high-performance conventional helicopter concept. The other is an innovative high-speed “compound” concept shaped by Airbus’ experience with technology demonstrators such as the X3 and Racer. The conventional design provides reliability and a proven structure. Meanwhile, the compound configuration offers significantly higher speeds compared to conventional designs, along with greatly enhanced capabilities for rapid acceleration, deceleration, and climb/descent performance.
“The Most Suitable Platform for Military Partners’ Needs”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, commented: “We want Europe to be in a position to offer military partners the most suitable platform in terms of cost, operational efficiency, and maximum availability for both conventional helicopters and high-speed rotary-wing aircraft. These two concepts will serve as a basis for further dialogue with our military partners regarding visions and requirements for future military operations.”
Even also noted that Airbus is actively working on the future of its military product range, continuing the development of existing products. At the same time, the company is developing next-generation rotary-wing systems by leveraging modular multi-platform technologies such as connectivity, cybersecurity, manned-unmanned teaming, multi-domain joint combat, survivability, and battle damage repair.
Project Background
In July 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract to conduct a conceptual study under the NGRC project. Within this framework, participants are collaborating on the design, development, delivery, and support of a medium multi-role helicopter. Airbus’ advanced concept draws on the company’s extensive experience in military rotary-wing aircraft and high-speed flight domains.
SOURCE: C4Defence / Airbus
