Airbus heads NATO’s next-generation rotorcraft concept study
The initiative involves 3 other partners
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Airbus Helicopters a significant contract. This contract, part of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project, designates Airbus Helicopters as the leader of a comprehensive 13-month concept study to design and develop a new medium multi-role military helicopter.
The collaborative initiative involves Airbus Helicopters, RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and MBDA.
The NGRC project is a pivotal step for NATO, focusing on creating next-generation rotorcraft that will meet the evolving needs of allied armed forces. The concept study will explore two integrated designs for advanced military rotorcraft, emphasising high performance, modularity, and multi-mission capabilities.
The NSPA, headquartered in Luxembourg with operational centres in France, Hungary, and Italy, is crucial in NATO’s multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment efforts. Employing over 1,500 staff and overseeing more than 500 contractors globally, NSPA is integral to NATO’s strategy for advancing defence capabilities.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “Participating in this NATO study for the next generation of military rotorcraft is a unique opportunity to leverage our extensive experience with various European armed forces.
“Our aim, alongside our skilled partners, is to develop a European solution that meets NATO’s requirements while ensuring industrial sovereignty and maintaining crucial engineering competencies.”
Study’s objectives
The study’s objectives include designing a rotorcraft that is fully interoperable with NATO systems and features advanced connectivity and resilient communication systems.
“This project will leverage our combined expertise to deliver a cost-effective, high-performance, and operationally efficient solution for the next generation of military rotorcraft,” Even added.
NSPA General Manager Stacy A. Cummings emphasised the study’s importance: “The launch of Concept Study #5 marks a significant milestone in the NGRC concept stage and underscores NSPA’s commitment to addressing the next generation of medium-lift requirements for our participating nations.
“By initiating three parallel contracts through competitive bidding, we aim to maximise industry expertise and engagement, providing a diverse range of potential concepts for our multinational customers.”
The study involves contributions from several NATO member countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Italy. Each partner will bring their expertise to various aspects of the project, including helicopter design, systems integration, connectivity, weapons, avionics, and sensors.
Airbus Helicopters is a major player in the global military rotorcraft market, with over 140 armed forces relying on its advanced helicopters. Its portfolio includes dual platforms like the combat-proven H225M and the H145M and specialised military helicopters like the Tiger and NH90. Airbus is also at the forefront of unmanned systems and manned-unmanned teaming innovations.
As the NGRC project progresses, Airbus Helicopters’ leadership and collaborative approach are expected to set new standards in designing and developing future military rotorcraft, reinforcing NATO’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and operational excellence.
Featured image: NATO aims to have a rotorcraft fully interoperable with NATO systems and features advanced connectivity and resilient communication systems. Credit: Airbus Helicopters
