GE Aerospace Completes Study for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Powerplant

GE Aerospace has recently concluded its study on the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) powerplant concept, a significant step towards revolutionizing the medium-lift helicopter sector. The study, awarded by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) in December 2023, aimed to explore various powerplant solutions for the future rotorcraft, encompassing advanced gas turbines, hybrid electric systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen combustion engines.

The comprehensive analysis conducted by GE Aerospace, in collaboration with its Defense & Systems organization and Avio Aero, evaluated multiple engine and airframe combinations to determine their suitability for NATO missions. The study assessed several factors, including unit costs, operational expenses, life cycle costs, speed, payload, and range, to ensure that the proposed solutions align with NATO’s strategic objectives.

John Martin, GE Aerospace's Director of Turboshaft Advanced Programs, emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “Our study provides valuable insights into the capabilities of various power plant options, bringing us closer to realizing the future of NATO’s next-generation, multi-capable helicopter.”

The NGRC project, initiated in 2020 by France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the UK, aims to replace the existing fleet of medium-lift helicopters, which are expected to be phased out between 2035 and 2040. The new rotorcraft is anticipated to feature a weight range of 10 to 17 tons and possess the ability to integrate with unmanned platforms. It will be designed to carry its own weapons, cost no more than 35 million euros ($38.2 million), and have a cost-per-flight hour capped at 10,000 euros ($10,920). Additionally, the helicopter should have an availability rate exceeding 75 percent, an unrefueled flight range of up to 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles), a cruise speed of 220 knots (253 miles/407 kilometers per hour), and a lifting capacity of over 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds), with space for up to 16 fully equipped troops.

The study’s findings will guide the NGRC partner nations as they advance with the program, with three of the five NGRC concept studies open to industry involvement. Lockheed Martin has been awarded the contract for the open systems architecture study, while the integrated platform study contract is still pending. The remaining two studies are being conducted internally without industry participation.

As the NGRC initiative progresses, GE Aerospace’s insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of medium-lift rotorcraft, aiming to deliver a next-generation helicopter that meets the evolving needs of NATO’s operational requirements.