While Turkey was in search of a helicopter suitable for its geographical and climatic conditions, it decided to enter into joint production with Italy’s famous AgustaWestland company. The resulting T-129 Atak helicopter, on the other hand, currently serves three countries, namely Turkey, Pakistan and the Philippines. How many Atak helicopters does Turkey have?
Number of Atak helicopters produced by TAI
The T-129 Atak, which made its first flight in 2009, was developed on AgustaWesland’s A129 Mangusta helicopter. Of course, we can say that as a result of Turkey’s special requests, many parts from its design to its engine, from weapon systems to software were rebuilt from scratch.
We can say that it is a domestic and national helicopter, as Turkey currently holds the license rights and can produce 100 percent domestically from engine to tire if it wishes, that is, there is no obstacle in front of it. Of course, this option will not be profitable for anyone. It will only increase costs.
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Developed by STM and delivered to the TAF, Boyga SİHA differs from other members of the family in terms of its features.
When the project was first implemented, TAI was carrying out production, assembly, flight tests, training, integrated and logistics support activities. ASELSAN, on the other hand, undertook mission computer production and software, avionics systems production and integration, and weapon systems procurement and integration.
As the former licensee of the previous version of the helicopter, Turkey’s business partner AgustaWestland undertook the technology transfer, CTS800-4A engine replacement, automatic flight control system and helicopter systems monitoring unit.
Of course, the triple agreement we mentioned above was valid for the first production phase. In the course of time, Turkey increased the locality rate of this project to record levels. He also succeeded in making his own helicopter engine using the gains he had made. This engine will also be used in Gökbey and Atak 2 heavy class helicopters.
In other words, when we look at the overall project, we can say that it is a very successful and profitable agreement for Turkey. The result it has achieved in the field (operations) is only one of the positive results. Before moving on to the features of the vehicle, let’s answer the question of how many there are in Turkey.
TAI regularly delivers newly released vehicles to Land Forces Command, Ministry of Interior Gendarmerie General Command and Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Security. In addition, a total of 30 units were sold to Pakistan and 6 units were sold to the Philippines. Of course, it should be noted that not all of them were delivered. So some of them are still in production.
The number of Atak helicopters used by Turkey has exceeded 70. Already in the statement made by TAI in February 2021, it was said that more than 60 were given to the Ministry of Interior and TAF. Today, it was revealed with a post that the 73rd and 74th models, which were released from mass production, were delivered to the Gendarmerie General Command.
However, the upcoming period will be quite critical for TAI. More than 20 Atak helicopters will be delivered to Turkey, 30 to Pakistan and 5 more to the Philippines. In addition, projects such as Hürjet and MMU gained momentum.
TEI under the roof of TUSAŞ, on the other hand, came to the last step in the TEI-TS1400 engine. First, there will be the integration process of the T-625 Gökbey with serial production, then the T-629, which is the offensive version, and then the Atak 2. In other words, there is what we do not see as much as we see.
T-129 Atak technical specifications
- Performance
- Maximum speed: 278 km/h (151 knots)
- Maximum service altitude: 6,096 m (20,000 ft)
- Duty-laden altitude: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
- Climb speed: 14.0 m/s (2,750 ft/min)
- Maximum Power/Weight Ratio: 550 hp/tn
- Maximum airtime: 3 h. (3h)
- Maximum range: 561 km (303 nm)
- Range with additional fuel tank: 1000 km (540 nm)
- Power source
- Engine: 2 x LHTEC CTS800-4A
- Engine power: 2 x 1361 shp (2 x 1014 kW)
- Dimension values
- Length : 13.64 m
- Height : 3.96 m
- Main rotor diameter : 11.90 m
- Weight values
- Curb Weight: 2,900 kg (6,400 lbs)
- Crew: 2
- Maximum take-off weight: 5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)
- Maximum weapon load: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb)
- Weapon bays on the wings: 4 x 300 kg (4 x 661 lbs)
- Fuel capacity: 750 kg
- Avionics
- Central Control Computer (Double)
- Fully Digital 4-axis Flight Control System
- 2 x Multi-function Displays (Pilot and Co-pilot)
- aircraft display system
- Integrated Inertial Navigation System and GPS
- digital flight map
- flight data system
- radar altimeter
- VHF/UHF receiver
- High Frequency receiver
- IFF Transponder
- Audio encoder / Frequency skimmer
- Image data link
- DAS package with passive and active countermeasures
- with hardwarer
- Target information acquisition with laser range finder EO/planner, FLIR and CCTV
- gun ballistic trajectory processing
- Night vision (Helmet attached vision system)
- emergency locator transmitter
- External additional fuel tanks
- disconnector
- icing sensor
- Infrared suppressors
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