GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters are looking at developing the next-generation of engine that could power future rotorcraft along the lines of the latter's RACER high-speed helicopter. (Airbus via Janes/Gareth Jennings)
GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters have completed the first stage of the joint enterprise to develop a “revolutionary” next-generation engine for rotorcraft.
Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 on 24 July, the milestone saw the completion of foundational research into the subject by both companies, ahead of the commencement of detailed design work.
“The first stage of this project focused on foundational research, with additional insights and findings gained during the effort laying the groundwork for subsequent phases of development. As the partnership advances into the next phase, GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters will continue to focus on detailed designs and component efficiencies with the goal of creating a propulsion solution to meet new sustainability objectives, including significant reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” GE Aerospace said.
Though largely a civil endeavour, this development will likely have cross over applications to the military world, where projects such as the European Union's (EU's) European Next-Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT), the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC), and the Next Generation Medium Helicopter (NGMH) programme are all geared to developing the future of rotorcraft.
The ENGRT effort seeks to develop the technologies for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for the post-2035 timeframe. The effort was formally launched in late 2022 with France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden as participants. Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters are co-leading the industrial aspects of the project.
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