Eurocopter plans to build a clean-sheet helicopter model at its main German plant in Donauwörth.
Chief executive Lutz Bertling announced the project - named X9 - during a visit to the site by Philipp Rösler, Germany's minister of economics and technology, on 2 August.
The Franco-German-Spanish helicopter manufacturer declines to provide any details, such as weight-class, basic layout and timeline, for the new model. However, a spokesman tells Flightglobal it would be produced in addition to the EC135 and EC145 product lines, which are being manufactured in Donauwörth.
Aside from these models, the site also manufactures the Eurocopter Tiger attack and NH Industries NH90 transport helicopters, as well as doors for all Airbus transport category aircraft.