The development of the Next Generation Rotorcraft (NGRC) Multi-role helicopter for six NATO nations is moving into its next phase. On July 31, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) published a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the concept design phase of the helicopter program. The deadline for the submission of proposals is August 2027.
This defense project aims to replace the medium multi-role helicopters of NATO allies (such as the NH90) that are scheduled for retirement starting in 2035 with a modern successor system. Six partner nations are involved in the program: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The tender is based on a common operational and technical foundation featuring binding Key Performance Parameters and deployment scenarios. The NATO mantra is “Speed & Range.” Requirements include a cruising speed of at least 220 knots (approx. 400 km/h) with target values exceeding 250 knots, an operational radius of at least 400 nautical miles (approx. 740 km), and a maximum takeoff weight of 10 to 17 metric tons. Additionally, the NSPA requires a strictly Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities for drone control, integration into Multi-Domain Operations, and significantly reduced lifecycle costs.
New Procurement Procedure: “Acquisition by Qualified Options”
For the first time, the “Acquisition by Qualified Options” (AQO) procurement process is being applied. Four pre-qualified bidders or consortia will have the opportunity to submit up to two designs each, supplemented by risk-reduction (de-risking) measures. In its evaluation, the NSPA will rely on a digital testing procedure in its internal “digital lab” using modeling and simulation environments. Bids will be evaluated through the end of 2027, after which the NSPA will present an evaluation report to the nations to select the preferred design solution in 2028. The timeline projects prototype testing beginning in 2028, flight trials from 2032, and the start of deliveries in 2035.
Three Distinct Technological Approaches
Three main consortia are competing with different technological concepts, while Boeing opted out of direct participation to focus on existing systems such as the Chinook.
Airbus Helicopters, together with partners including RTX (Collins Aerospace, Raytheon) and MBDA, is pursuing a two-track approach. This includes a high-speed compound concept (building on the X3 and Racer demonstrators) with a main rotor, stub wings, and pusher propellers for speeds exceeding 400 km/h, alongside an evolutionary, conventional helicopter architecture aimed at minimizing risk and maximizing availability.
Leonardo / Bell Textron
Leonardo is collaborating with US pioneer Bell Textron to focus on advanced tiltrotor technology. Building on experiences from the civilian AW609 and the US Bell V-280 Valor, this concept offers the highest flight speeds (over 500 km/h) and the greatest operational ranges, though it requires higher mechanical complexity and presents challenges regarding downwash and shipboard footprint.
Sikorsky / BAE Systems / Rheinmetall / ESG / Safran
Sikorsky (www.LockheedMartin.com), alongside European partners such as BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, ESG, and Safran, is offering a concept based on X2 technology. This utilizes two rigidly coupled coaxial rotors paired with a rear pusher propeller. The design provides high agility and maneuverability at high speeds alongside compact dimensions suitable for frigate operations. If awarded the contract, Lockheed Martin plans to establish a final assembly line directly in Europe.
Comparison with the NH90
The NH90 has served as the standard multi-role helicopter for several NATO states since the early 2000s, but it reaches its limits in terms of speed, maintenance logistics, and digital architecture. As a conventional helicopter, it achieves a cruising speed of 260 km/h with an operating radius of up to 500 kilometers. Its maximum takeoff weight of under eleven metric tons allows for payloads of only up to 4.2 metric tons, while its proprietary system architecture makes retrofits — especially for networking and drone integration (MUM-T) — extremely complex.
In contrast, the NGRC nearly doubles the cruising speed and range of the NH90 to guarantee survivability and rapid troop movement in high-intensity modern warfare scenarios. The open MOSA architecture enables vendor-independent, rapid software updates, and as a digital platform, the NGRC is designed from the ground up for direct cockpit control of accompanying drones.
Author: Gerhard Heiming, editor wehrwirtschaft
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