Avio Aero Partners in Development of Next-Generation European Rotorcraft Engine

Avio Aero Collaborates on Next-Generation European Rotorcraft Engine

At the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Italy’s Avio Aero announced its partnership with leading European aerospace companies to develop a next-generation helicopter engine. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in defense technology. Avio Aero has joined the European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a joint venture established in 2023 by Germany’s MTU Aero Engines and France’s Safran Helicopter Engines. Together, they aim to produce the European Next-Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE).

Strategic Objectives and Technical Ambitions

The partnership is founded on a long-term agreement to deliver a powerplant exceeding 3,000 shaft horsepower (shp), combining advanced design maturity with cost-effective operation and maintenance. The ENGHE is intended to power the future medium rotorcraft envisioned under NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program, which targets battlefield transport and naval operations projected for the 2040s. Italy, Germany, and France—countries hosting the partner companies—are key supporters of the NGRC initiative.

Avio Aero’s CEO Riccardo Procacci described the agreement as a significant opportunity for the aerospace industry to collaborate in support of Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological leadership. Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer at MTU Aero Engines, highlighted the partnership’s role in reinforcing European sovereignty and strengthening the regional supply chain.

The ENGHE is designed to enhance future helicopters with greater range, higher speed, improved maneuverability, and increased availability. It will also incorporate reduced fuel consumption, full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels, and advanced electric hybridization capabilities. These features align with recommendations from GE Aerospace studies conducted for NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which concluded that while a modern gas turbine remains the optimal propulsion solution, hybrid-electric technologies are approaching maturity and should be considered for future upgrades.

Challenges and Funding Prospects

Despite the promising outlook, Avio Aero and its partners face significant challenges, including securing adequate funding and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. The European Defense Fund (EDF) has expressed strong support for the initiative, issuing a call in January 2025 for research into next-generation turboshaft engines. The EDF’s latest program, Propulsion System for Next-Generation Rotorcraft, seeks to promote breakthrough, efficient, and high-power engines with clear pathways for hybridization. EURA will coordinate the proposal, which is scheduled for submission to the European Commission in October.

The strategic importance of the ENGHE project has already generated considerable interest across Europe’s defense and aviation sectors. As the consortium pursues a substantial leap forward in engine performance, competitors such as GE and other engine manufacturers are expected to intensify their efforts to maintain technological leadership and market share. The EDF’s backing underscores the competitive environment, with significant investments now directed toward advancing Europe’s defense technology capabilities.

Through the ENGHE initiative, the consortium aims not only to fulfill NATO’s future rotorcraft requirements but also to establish Europe as a leader in military aviation innovation.