Leonardo and Bell to cooperate on tiltrotor tech
Image courtesy Leonardo
In designing, manufacturing and supporting rotorcraft for commercial and military applications, Bell and Leonardo share a long history of industrial cooperation on both traditional helicopters as well as tiltrotor technology collaboration.
The cooperative effort will begin in earnest with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study #5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support.
In designing, manufacturing and supporting rotorcraft for commercial and military applications, Bell and Leonardo share a long history of industrial cooperation on both traditional helicopters as well as tiltrotor technology collaboration.
“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,” said Lisa Atherton, president and CEO, Bell. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Leonardo as we continue to explore emerging vertical lift programmes 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.”
