MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines to form an all- European team for development of helicopter engine technologies

MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines are stepping up their joint effort to develop technologies for a new helicopter engine anticipating the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) project. Taking advantage of this year’s Paris Air Show, the two engine manufacturers are rallying additional partners to this exciting project.

More than 25 representatives of industry and academia from 14 different countries attended an initial information meeting held by MTU and Safran. The two lead companies aim to form a versatile team of top-flight European partners to develop technologies for a future military helicopter engine. Following an initial technology development phase from 2025 to 2029, the partners intend to develop the engine from 2030 onwards for an entry-into-service by 2040.

MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines will team up with partners from across Europe to develop helicopter engine technologies that set new standards in terms of performance, robustness, affordability and sustainability. In short, the team aims for a high-performance all-European engine to provide a perfect solution to power the future European military helicopter. 

Wholly designed, developed, produced and supported in Europe, this new engine will bolster Europe's technological and industrial base and supply chains. Tackling the technology development with a capable team will also foster cross-border collaboration within the industry and further consolidate European sovereignty.