Since its creation by Igor Sikorsky in 1939, it has successfully proven its ability to perform civilian tasks as well as military needs. The ability to take off and land vertically gives it a unique ability compared to airplanes.
To meet NATO's future military needs, NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program has been announced with Airbus showing two helicopter concepts for this program.
Both helicopters need to meet the NGRC requirements of flying at speeds of up to 407 km/h, flying 1667 km, carrying up to 16 soldiers with equipment and lifting cargo of up to 4 tons. four tonnes. In addition, it targets a cost of less than €35 million (~RM 160 million) each.
Airbus' concept helicopters have the same basic design with each one equipped with two engines. When in horizontal flight mode, one of the engines can be turned off to save up to 30% fuel consumption. The second concept model comes with two small wing pods housing two pusher propellers used in the world's fastest helicopter, the Airbus Racer.
The NGRC program will begin replacing aging helicopters owned by NATO members by 2040. Construction will be borne by the Netherlands, Britain, Greece, Germany, Canada and France.
