NATO has awarded three Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Lockheed Martin, paving the way for these manufacturers to explore potential integrated platform concepts. The alliance aims to introduce a new class of medium-lift military helicopters between 2035 and 2040.
According to NATO’s statement, all three contractors are tasked with identifying and harnessing cutting-edge technologies to fulfill NGRC’s operational and supportability capabilities, while also seeking innovations in digital design, development processes, and advanced materials and manufacturing.
The awarding of these contracts formally launches NGRC’s Concept Study 5, which focuses on medium-lift rotary capabilities. Although NATO did not disclose the precise value of the contracts, previous tender documents indicated that each contract is estimated to be worth €5.7 million (approximately $6.2 million). Acknowledging the contract award, Airbus stated that it has been chosen to lead a concept study aimed at collaborating on the design, development, and delivery of a medium multi-role helicopter.
Airbus also revealed that it would partner with RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and MBDA for this project, which will span 13 months and involve the development of two integrated concepts for future military rotorcraft.
Countries including France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the UK, and the US are involved in the Airbus-led study through various partner companies. Each partner is expected to contribute expertise in helicopter design, systems integration, connectivity, weapons, avionics, and sensors.
Regarding technical aspects of the concept work, Airbus mentioned that the goal is to create a “modular and multi-mission platform” that meets NATO interoperability standards. Emphasis will also be placed on achieving a high degree of connectivity and resilient communication systems.
Bruno Evan, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed confidence in their ability to provide cost-effective, high-performance, and operationally efficient solutions for the next generation of military rotorcraft, though he did not disclose the specific platform that would be the basis for their concept work. Airbus has previously indicated that they may draw on their Rapid and Cost-Efficient Rotorcraft (RACER) demonstrator, which is currently being developed as a civil aerospace aircraft aligned with the European Research Clean Sky 2 project.
According to company literature, the RACER has been optimized to achieve a cruising speed exceeding 400 km/h (248.5 mph), striving for an optimal balance between speed, cost efficiency, and mission performance.
Upon receiving the concept contract, Andy Adams, Vice President of Future Vertical Lift at Sikorsky (a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin), stated that the company is prepared to design a rotorcraft prototype for NATO’s NGRC concept study to support defense and deterrence in a rapidly changing global landscape. Sikorsky will base its approach on an X2 coaxial compound, high-speed helicopter design.
The X2 design previously informed the development of the SB>1 Defiant and Raider X helicopters, which were once candidates for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programs. While the Defiant lost out to Bell’s V-280 tiltrotor for FLRAA, the FARA program was abruptly canceled without any contract being awarded as of February.
Regarding supply chain partnerships for this concept work, Lockheed Martin announced the involvement of a “European Industry Group” that includes companies such as BAE Systems, ELT Group, ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik GmbH, GE Aerospace, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Kongsberg, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, MAGroup, Malloy Aeronautics, SAFRAN, Rheinmetall, and TERMA. This industry group will provide insights on how their world-class military products can support the integrated platform concept to enhance NATO’s capabilities.
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, stated that their firm will work with a team that includes Bell, General Electric, Hensoldt, Leonardo DRS, MBDA Italia, NLR, Rolls Royce, and Safran.
“The requirements set under the NGRC initiative imply capabilities that are best delivered by a fast rotorcraft architecture, including high speed and long range. Our proposal will focus on advanced tiltrotor concept studies, leveraging the strong expertise of the Leonardo consortium team,” Cutillo emphasized. “The team is dedicated to providing solid conceptual solutions to meet the operational requirements expressed by NATO.”
