GE Aerospace has completed an initial study supporting the development of NATO’s next generation of rotorcraft capability.
The company said the effort, conducted with its Italian partner Avio Aero, analyzed powerplant solutions for the envisioned helicopter, such as advanced gas turbines, hybrid electric systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen combustion engines.
The partnership also explored the integration of powerplants and airframe configurations to test aircraft performance that aligns with NATO’s mission objectives. In addition, the study evaluated the future aircraft’s possible unit, operational and life cycle costs, including its speed, payload and range.
John Martin, director of turboshaft advanced programs at GE Aerospace, said the project provided new insights into the capabilities of different powerplant options for the security alliance’s planned helicopter and brought “us closer to realizing the future of NATO’s next-generation multi-capable helicopter.”
According to GE, the study findings will inform the organization’s continuing work to develop advanced rotorcraft capabilities. It said the collaborative effort with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency will continue to advance the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program.
GE started working on the project after securing the NSPA contract in December 2023. The alliance hopes to deploy the new class of medium and heavy military helicopters in the 2040s.