European Commission approves $429 million fund for X6 development

The European Commission has approved a €377 million ($429 million) support fund for the Airbus X6 helicopter.

The state fund will be used to finance further research and innovation. France and Germany will provide the public support and the €377 million will be provide over a period of eight years, with €330 million provided by France and €47.25 million by Germany.

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The French and German support will stimulate considerable private investment in this project. The support will help bring a new generation of innovative heavy helicopters to the market, without causing undue distortions of competition.”

The next generation twin-engine heavy concept is targeting oil and gas, SAR and VIP missions and is looking to offer a more fuel efficient alternative to the H160. The helicopter is expected to finish development in the 2020s.