Bell and Leonardo enter into tiltrotor MoU

Sharing a multi-decade history of industrial cooperation on traditional helicopters as well as tiltrotor technology collaboration, Bell and Leonardo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate potential opportunities in tiltrotor technology.

The cooperative effort will begin with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study Number 5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support.

Lisa Atherton, President and CEO of Bell, said: “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.

“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, said: “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.”

This comes after Bell’s 2022 win of the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition, beating a rival bid from a partnership of Sikorsky and Boeing.