NATO has contracted a trio of companies to study integrated platform concepts under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program.
Airbus Helicopters, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, and Leonardo have each been contracted for the fifth NGRC concept study to identify and harness cutting-edge technologies to enhance the upcoming helicopter’s capabilities.
The study seeks innovative “digital design and development processes and advanced materials and manufacturing,” NATO explained.
The alliance did not disclose the exact value of the contracts, but previous tender documents showed it could reach 5.7 million euros ($6.2 million).
NGRC Concept Studies
Lockheed and GE Aerospace have already been contracted for the NGRC open system architecture and novel powerplant concept studies, while the remaining two studies are closed for the industry.
“Taking part in this NATO study for the next generation of military rotorcraft offers a unique opportunity to leverage our experience working with the different European armed forces,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said.
“Our goal, together with our highly skilled partners, is to develop a European solution, a concept that would fulfill both the needs of the NATO armed forces while also guaranteeing industrial sovereignty for our European nations and maintaining key engineering competencies.”
Airbus is teaming with RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses as well as MBDA on the 13-month study, analyzing a pair of integrated next-generation military helicopter concepts.
Lockheed to Offer X2 Prototype
Meanwhile, Lockheed subsidiary Sikorsky plans to design a prototype as part of the study, based on its X2 coaxial high-speed helicopter.
Developed in 2005, the X2 is powered by an integrated auxiliary propulsion system and features counter-rotating rotor blades.
The multi-mission platform can perform attack, reconnaissance, and transport missions.
“Sikorsky is ready to design a rotorcraft prototype for NATO’s concept study to support defense and deterrence for an ever-changing global environment,” VP of Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift Andy Adams said.
“Our X2 aircraft will bring to bear the strengths of Lockheed Martin along with input from our European Industry Group, such as digital thread, advanced manufacturing, sustainment, training, and weapon and mission system development, to provide NATO with an integrated rotorcraft system that combines speed, range, maneuverability, survivability and operational flexibility.”
Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s European Industry Group includes 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.
Next-Gen Rotorcraft
France, Germany, the UK, the US, Ireland, and Italy are part of the NGRC program.
It is intended to replace the current fleet of medium-lift NATO helicopters as they reach their retirement from 2035 to 2040 and beyond.
Expected features include teaming capability with unmanned platforms and to fly unrefueled for up to 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles), almost twice as long as the current medium-lift platforms.
Additionally, it should have a weight range of 10 to 17 tons and lifting capacity of over 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds).
