Airbus Helicopters has revealed its next-generation rotorcraft concepts to support NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) study.

Developed in collaboration with RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Raytheon and MBDA, Airbus’ proposal includes two complementary concepts: a high-performance conventional helicopter and a novel high-speed compound rotorcraft. Both platforms are designed to ensure operational efficiency, affordability and fleet complementarity for NATO partners.

Modularity and simplicity are central to Airbus’ NGRC vision. The designs adopt a Modular Open System Architecture allowing for easier manufacture, maintenance, upgrades and long-term affordability. Both rotorcraft will share systems, training protocols, maintenance procedures and weapons integration to maximise commonality across fleets.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “We want to ensure Europe can propose a platform that best fits military partners’ needs in terms of affordability, operational efficiency and maximum availability. These two concepts provide a foundation for dialogue with our partners on future operational requirements.”

Airbus is advancing both its legacy platforms and next-generation technologies. The company continues to evolve the NH90 through Block 1 and 2 studies while maintaining its dual product range – the H145M, H160M and H225M – setting new standards in affordability, connectivity and maintainability. At the same time, next-generation rotorcraft research focuses on connectivity, cybersecurity, crewed-uncrewed teaming, multi-domain collaborative combat, survivability and battle damage repair.

In July 2024, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Airbus Helicopters the contract to lead the NGRC concept study, targeting the design, development, delivery and support of a medium multi-role helicopter.

Airbus’ advanced concepts leverage decades of experience in military rotorcraft and high-speed flight, particularly from compound demonstrators X3 and Racer. The compound configuration promises higher speeds, expanded flight envelopes, rapid acceleration and deceleration and fast climb and descent capabilities. Flight evaluations of Racer under the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies programme have confirmed the benefits of the added wings and propellers providing operational feedback to refine the NGRC proposal.

These concepts mark a significant step in shaping NATO’s future rotorcraft capabilities, combining innovation, performance and operational practicality.