Bell Textron and Leonardo enter new partnership

The two aviation companies are among several others responding to a request for proposals (RFP) to deliver a next-generation rotorcraft capability (NGRC) to the military alliance.

According to Breaking Defense, a Bell spokesperson said that their concept study could begin in July if their partnership is awarded one of the three NGRC contracts.

The spokesperson went on to say that Leonardo will lead on the tiltrotor architecture proposal, while Bell Textron will provide support where necessary.

The two companies plan to leverage their experience in building tiltrotor platforms, such as the AW609 helicopter and V-280 Valor, selected by the US Army for its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.

Requirements

Worth US$6.2 million, according to NATO, the concept study contract will help the alliance to find the best solution for its new medium helicopter to carry out various missions.

In the alliance, medium-lift platforms currently in service will be replaced, including the AgustaWestland AW101.

The NGRC initiative specifies that the tiltrotor solution should cost no more than €35 million (around $38 million) and be available to enter service between 2035 and 2040.

NATO has requested the cost-per-flight hour be no greater than €10,000 (around $10,900) and the optimal cruise speed to be at least 220kts (407km/254mph).

Additional requirements include an unrefueled range of 1,650km, ability to carry up to 16 fully equipped troops, and a loading capacity of more than 4,000kg.

The news comes after Bell and Leonardo recently entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate cooperation opportunities in the tiltrotor technology domain.