[4] In August 2014, the European Union launched its CleanSky 2 research initiative, to award contracts advancing aerospace technology.

[5] AgustaWestland received $328 million through this programme towards the NGCTR, then in the detailed design study phase, while 60% of the funding was passed on to partners in the project,[4] along with the Airbus RACER compound helicopter.

[4] New prop-rotor designs, new wing geometries, optimized engine configurations, lean manufacturing, low carbon footprint and other applicable technologies were evaluated.

[7] During September 2017, an Italian Aerospace Research Centre-led consortium was selected to design and produce the NGCTR's wing.

[13] The preliminary design concept, aimed at the deepwater drilling energy market, was of a pressurized aircraft with an 11 t (24,000 lb) MTOW to seat 19 to 22 passengers, reach up to 330 kn (610 km/h) over a range of 500 nmi (930 km) and up to a ceiling of 25,000 ft (7,600 m).

[12][16] The NGCTR's proprotors and wingtips are movable while the engines are static, unlike earlier tiltrotors, for better aerodynamic efficiency.