Sikorsky Eyes European Production Line for NGRC

Sikorsky is planning to establish a Next Generation Rotorcraft (NGRC) production line in Europe as it works to strengthen its partnership with NATO and expand its collaborative research and development efforts in the region.

The Stratford, Connecticut-based Lockheed Martin subsidiary did not disclose possible locations but said the move will improve logistics and strengthen “NATO’s rapid response posture.” In addition, the move will enable Sikorsky to bring together multinational expertise on the program, the company maintained, adding that this will help it to provide a global NGRC.

Plans call for partnering with European aerospace firms and suppliers to support a locally sourced NGRC production line, an effort that Sikorsky said would generate jobs and foster technology transfer.

The helicopter OEM continues to study advanced airframe configuration, open architecture avionics systems, and mission capabilities that it anticipates would meet NATO’s deterrence requirements.

Under the NGRC program, NATO is seeking a medium-class, multi-role helicopter to replace medium multi-role helicopters currently in service. The NGRC initiative began in 2022 and involves France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Spain and the U.S. are acting as observers. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is leading the effort to fulfill the requirement.

In tandem, Sikorsky struck an agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines to explore areas where they can cooperate on existing and emerging vertical lift platforms. The agreement deepens a relationship that spans 40 years, with more than 1,230 Safran engines delivered and 10 million flight hours accumulated on the S-76. 

Signed by Sikorsky v-p and general manager Rich Benton and Safran Helicopter Engines president Cédric Goubet, the agreement paves the way for new collaboration on power and propulsion technologies, accelerating design cycles and shortening turnaround times, Sikorsky said.

“This is a great example of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to partnering with the European industry to enhance the systems we provide that deliver high performance, reliable mission capabilities,” Benton said. “When we collaborate across industry from day one, we empower our customers with speed of decision-making and the confidence that the final aircraft will meet performance, safety, and schedule requirements.”

Sikorsky has further been expanding its work in Asia, where it has been involved in a joint program to develop an international variant of its X2 high-speed compound helicopter that has coaxial rotors.