NATO plans to replace approximately 900 medium-lift helicopters between 2035 and 2040 to modernize its fleet. In response, Airbus Helicopters has unveiled two new-generation military rotorcraft concept designs specifically tailored for NATO's 'Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability' (NGRC) program. These concepts aim to meet future medium-lift multi-role requirements while controlling acquisition and lifecycle costs. The first design is a conventional helicopter emphasizing efficiency, survivability, and integration with existing fleets. The second is a high-speed compound rotorcraft leveraging technologies from Airbus' experimental Racer and earlier X3 demonstrator, offering significantly improved cruise and dash speeds over current models. Both models feature modular open systems architecture for easy upgrades and maintenance, along with capabilities for collaborative operations with unmanned aerial vehicles.
