Lockheed Martin awarded NGRC study contract

In developing an open system architecture for the NGRC programme, Lockheed Martin through its Sikorsky subsidiary will leverage work already done for its X2 (pictured) high-speed technology demonstrator programme. (Lockheed Martin)

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin its third study contract related to the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme.

Announced on 31 January but awarded on 13 December 2023, the study contract will see Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky subsidiary identify, analyse, and compare open system architecture (OSA) concepts that could potentially fulfil the NGRC capability requirement. The outcome of the study will help inform future platform concepts.

With a required cruise speed of 220 kt, speed is the defining objective of the NGRC effort. As noted by Andy Adams, vice-president of Future Vertical Lift at Sikorsky, the company will leverage its X2 rotorcraft technology as part of its NGRC OSA work.

First reported by Janes in late 2020, the NGRC project sees NATO members Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK (with the US as an observer country) developing a new medium-lift helicopter for the 2035–40 timeframe. At this time, more than 900 medium multirole helicopters will reach the end of their life cycles and will need replacing.