France’s Safran Helicopter Engines and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the engine OEMs form a joint venture to develop propulsion concepts for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) project. The pair have already established the EUMET joint initiative to develop the engine for the Next-Generation Fighter element of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.
ENGRT is exploring options in anticipation of a future generation of helicopters for service starting around 2040, a timeframe similar to that of FCAS. The teaming aims to bring efficient management and flexible decision-making to the project, as well as ensure the retention of European interests while addressing new techniques.
“This alliance is set to ensure European sovereignty for the ENGRT project,” said Safran CEO Cédric Goubet. “The engine design will be perfectly adaptable to future helicopter requirements while incorporating breakthrough technologies such as hybrid-electric propulsion. It will be one of the most important collaborative programs in the history of European defense.”