Airbus Helicopters has unveiled its proposed rotorcraft designs for a new class of military helicopters slated for operational entry in the 2035–40 timeframe to meet NATO’s medium-lift requirements under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) initiative.
Two concepts, one common architecture
Airbus’ submission to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) comprises two distinct concepts developed in collaboration with RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses, and MBDA: a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft. The approach emphasizes modular design, operational efficiency, and long-term affordability, with commonality in maintenance, training, weapons integration, and systems architecture across both platforms.
“Europe is in a position to propose a platform that best fits our military partners’ needs in terms of affordability, operational efficiency and maximum availability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The designs leverage Airbus Helicopters’ rotorcraft expertise and flight-test insights from compound demonstrators such as the X3 and the RACER high-speed demonstrator.
Airbus stresses that its proposals are designed not only to meet the baseline medium-lift attributes set by NATO but also to enable crewed-uncrewed teaming, enhanced connectivity, cybersecurity resilience, and multi-domain collaborative combat operations. The dual concepts will now serve as a basis for continued dialogue with NATO partners and further refinement ahead of successive NGRC milestones.
A NATO-backed replacement effort
The NGRC study process was launched in July 2024, when NSPA awarded contracts to Airbus Helicopters, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky business, and Leonardo to carry out independent platform concept studies as part of “Concept Study Five.” Each contractor is exploring innovative technologies, digital design processes and advanced materials to inform the future medium-role rotorcraft requirement.
The program, backed by a consortium of NATO members including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, and the United States, aims to replace a significant portion of the alliance’s existing medium multi-role helicopter fleet with a more capable, interoperable solution.