Bell and Leonardo inked a memorandum of understanding to evaluate areas where they can cooperate on tiltrotor technology.
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Bell and Leonardo inked a memorandum of understanding to evaluate areas where they can work together on tiltrotor technology, building on their "multi-decade history of industrial cooperation," the companies announced on Wednesday at Heli-Expo 2024. “The cooperative effort will begin in earnest with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study #5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support,” they said.
NATO’s NGRC project aims to develop replacement solutions to fill capabilities of medium multi-role helicopters currently operated by Allies that will reach the end of their life in 2035 to 2040. Under that program, rotorcraft OEMs are being challenged to leverage recent advances in technology, production methods, and operational concepts in developing these new aircraft.
“This cooperative effort between Bell and Leonardo reflects our shared vision that next-generation rotorcraft will be influenced by the speed, range, and maneuverability only tiltrotor technology can deliver,” noted Bell president and CEO Lisa Atherton. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Leonardo as we continue to explore emerging vertical lift programs in Europe and the United States.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, added, “We’re thrilled to evaluate new joint efforts for the next generation of rotorcraft technologies, based on our solid and shared view of the unique advantages of tiltrotors. Leonardo has always firmly endorsed tiltrotor technologies to meet evolving rotorcraft requirements, even more so as new needs emerge in the market.”
Bell and Leonardo inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to evaluate areas where they can work together on tiltrotor technology, building on their "multi-decade history of industrial cooperation," the companies announced yesterday at Heli-Expo 2024. “The cooperative effort will begin in earnest with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study #5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support,” they said.
NATO’s NGRC project aims to develop replacement solutions to fill capabilities of medium multi-role helicopters currently operated by Allies that will reach the end of their life in 2035 to 2040. Under that program, rotorcraft OEMs are being challenged to leverage recent advances in technology, production methods, and operational concepts in developing these new aircraft.
“This cooperative effort between Bell and Leonardo reflects our shared vision that next-generation rotorcraft will be influenced by the speed, range, and maneuverability only tiltrotor technology can deliver,” noted Bell president and CEO Lisa Atherton.
The MOU reunites the two companies that have had partnerships spanning decades, including on the AW139 and the AW609 program, which Leonardo outright acquired in 2011.
“We’re thrilled to evaluate new joint efforts for the next generation of rotorcraft technologies, based on our solid and shared view of the unique advantages of tiltrotors," added Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters.