Four pre-qualified bidders have until 31 August next year to respond to request for proposals.
A NATO programme paving the way for the development of a next-generation military rotorcraft has advanced with the release of detailed requirements to four pre-qualified bidders.
Led by six alliance members – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK – the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project is contemplating a platform that could replace hundreds of current helicopters from 2035 onwards.
An initial phase concluded last year, resulting in concept studies produced by three airframers: Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky.
Those three manufacturers have since been joined by Boeing and have until 31 August 2027 to respond to a request for proposals for the concept design phase that opened on 31 July.
The NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA), which is managing the project on behalf of the nations, has not disclosed the NGRC’s precise requirements – particularly the balance between payload, range and speed – treating these as classified information.
Speaking in February, NSPA officials revealed some details, including the need for an aircraft that can perform both maritime and land missions and a capacity of 12-16 fully equipped troops.
Attributes released in 2021 specified an optimal cruise speed of 220kt (407km/h) but not less than 180kt. Maximum take-off weight, meanwhile, will be governed by deck-landing limits.
Outlining the competitive process, the NSPA says any industry participants and suppliers “interested in contributing to the NGRC programme” should engage directly with the four pre-qualified bidders.
If the six nations can agree on a solution, development and production contracts should be signed in the 2028-2029 timeframe, working towards a service-entry target of 2035.
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