Leonardo Helicopters is advancing its Next-Generation Civil Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator (NGCTR-TD) towards its first flight, expected by the end of the year. The company commenced ground runs of the demonstrator’s GE Aerospace CT7 engines on July 26 at its Cascina Costa facility near Milan, according to an announcement by the Clean Sky 2 aerospace research and development initiative on August 1.
The NGCTR-TD is currently fixed to a ground test rig, where the team is conducting an “intensive ground-test phase” to verify the aircraft’s systems and gather crucial data. This phase is essential for obtaining flight authorization from the Italian aviation regulator ENAC and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The demonstrator’s development has been supported by the EU-funded Clean Sky 2 Fast Rotorcraft initiative.
The NGCTR-TD is a modified AW609 commercial tiltrotor airframe equipped with five innovative technologies for tiltrotors. Notable advancements include a new main-wing architecture with a large trailing-edge flap to reduce download from the proprotors and increase wing volume for fuel storage. Engineers have also fixed the engine position and developed a tilting gearbox to power the proprotors, similar to Bell’s V-280. The aircraft’s V-tail design, akin to the V-280, reduces drag and improves aerodynamic stability.
Leonardo’s approach to fly-by-wire control systems has also evolved. The NGCTR-TD features a more modular and distributed system, with actuator control and verification performed by electronic units near the actuator, reducing the need for heavy wiring and lowering the aircraft’s overall weight and complexity.
Massimo Biggi, Manager of Next Generation Fast Rotorcraft Programs at Leonardo Helicopters, hailed the July 26 test as a “huge technical success” and a testament to Leonardo’s ability to leverage European strengths and capabilities. He emphasized that the NGCTR-TD, being the first clean-sheet tiltrotor concept design made entirely in Europe, has enabled the development and testing of core technologies for future high-speed rotorcraft with long-range and vertical-takeoff-and-landing capabilities.
While Leonardo’s NGCTR-TD is making progress, it trails behind Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator, also funded by Clean Sky 2, which achieved its cruise speed target of over 220 knots after its seventh flight in June. Racer employs a compound design that combines the main rotor with two box-wing-mounted variable-pitch pusher propellers, enhancing both hover stability and cruise speed.
In terms of safety, the ground infrastructure supporting NGCTR-TD testing includes a slide mounted to the forward fuselage, allowing the single pilot, who sits on an ejection seat, to make a quick escape in case of an emergency.
IMAGE CREDIT: Leonardo
