Airbus Reveals Two NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Studies | Aviation International News

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Airbus Reveals Two Next Gen NATO Rotorcraft Studies

A pair of concept designs build on technologies from the X3 and Racer demonstrators

A compound architecture concept (left) and traditional helicopter rendering (right) — Speed is central to the two concept designs shared by Airbus, with the Racer-esque compound concept (left) benefitting from additional wings and propellers. © Airbus Helicopters

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

March 10, 2026

Airbus Helicopters has revealed two advanced rotorcraft designs it is pursuing for the ongoing NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) initiative, complementing proposals being drawn up by rival OEMs Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky under the program’s Study 5 phase. Each company may present up to two solutions for evaluation before a draft request for proposal, planned for this May, is issued.

Of the two renderings published one is described by Airbus as a “high-performance conventional helicopter,” and the other, as a “novel high-speed compound concept.” The second appears to leverage the additional wings and propellers of Airbus’ Racer (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) technology demonstrator, which reached 240 knots in level flight in April 2025.

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