France’s Safran and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines have formed a joint venture to develop an engine to power Europe’s next-generation of military helicopters.
The 50/50 joint venture EURA (European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance) will focus on developing a heavy engine for choppers entering service after 2040.
EURA will collaborate with European industrial and technological partners. The initial technology development phase will span from 2025 to 2029 and engine development from 2030 onwards, the companies said last year.
Future European Helicopter Engine
The future engine will be more efficient, reducing operating and maintenance costs.
It is expected to be suitable for the ENGRT (European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies) project, with engine characteristics enabling “enhanced capabilities such as longer range, higher speed, better maneuverability and higher availability,” Safran stated.
Additionally, EURA’s creation will encourage demand for specific future military helicopter engines in the European Defence Fund, allowing the joint venture to respond with a consortium of partners.
Sovereign European Capability
The collaboration promises to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base and supply chains.
“EURA is a guarantee of sovereignty for the future military helicopters that Europe and European nations will need,” Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cedric Goubet said.
“This joint venture will enable us to start developing new technologies such as hybrid-electric propulsion and high-temperature materials, to meet the specifications of future helicopter projects.”
