Julian Moxon/PARIS
Eurocopter and Agusta-Westland have resolved their differences with the European Commission (EC) over research into a future convertible rotorcraft.
Last year, the two European manufacturers proposed different approaches to convertible rotorcraft under the EC's Fifth Framework research programme into key areas of aeronautics. The EC refused to fund both and told the two manufacturers to propose a common programme.
Late last year, a deal was agreed whereby Agusta-Westland and Eurocopter would work together on "critical technology projects" within the Fifth Framework programme, under a scheme that includes Agusta-Westland's Erica tilt-wing and Eurocopter's Eurotilt tilt-rotor concepts.
The joint approach will be proposed officially to the EC on 5 March, and is expected to be granted funding by the Commission given its role in settling the dispute. Eurocopter director of strategy Philippe Galland says the programme will involve research into "generic themes such as advanced fly-by-wire and fly-by-light flight control systems, rotor systems and gearboxes, as well as tilting wing and tilt-rotor concepts".
Eurocopter president Jean-Francois Bigay says current tilt-rotor concepts are "too complex". His doubts about tilt-rotors come as the debate rages in the industry over the technology following the third crash of the Bell Boeing V-22 military tilt-rotor.
Eurocopter's European competitor, AgustaWestland, is already involved with Bell on developing the BA 609 civil tiltrotor. Despite Agusta-Westland now participating in Europe's second-generation research programme, work is continuing on the 609.
According to Galland, first generation tilt-rotors, while being the "perfect solution" for the US marines, are "too expensive to operate" for the civil market."
Source: Flight International
