Defence

These Helicopters Made by Turkey Will Blow Your Mind

In recent years, Turkey has made significant strides in its aerospace industry, with a particular focus on advancing its domestic helicopter capabilities. This progress is marked by the development of several indigenous helicopter models designed to meet diverse operational needs and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

From advanced attack helicopters to versatile utility aircraft, Turkish aerospace companies have been at the forefront of creating innovative solutions tailored to both military and civilian applications.

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In this article, we will explores the key types of domestically built Turkish helicopters, highlighting their roles, features, and the impact of these advancements on Turkey’s defense and aviation sectors.

T129 ATAK:

The T129 ATAK is a highly advanced multi-role combat helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in collaboration with AgustaWestland. It is designed for reconnaissance, anti-tank warfare, and close air support.

The T129 features advanced avionics, a powerful engine, and advanced weapon systems including laser-guided missiles and rockets. It has five-bladed main rotor with a diameter of 11.9 meters, providing stability and maneuverability.The Turkish T129 is emerging as a strong competitor among contemporary attack helicopters such as the Tiger, Z-10, and LCH Prachand. With a unit cost of approximately helicopter price US$50 million, the T129 is positioned as a cost-effective option for nations seeking advanced multi-role attack capabilities.

The T625 Gökbey:

The TAI T625 Gökbey is a twin-engine light transport and utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries.

The helicopter features a four-axis, dual-redundant automatic flight control system and an ASELSAN glass cockpit. The T625, which weighs around 5 tonnes, is currently powered by two LHTEC CTS800 engines.

It has a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor, with a main rotor diameter of 13.20 meters, designed to minimize vibration and noise. The T625 Gökbey has received a $1 billion offer from an undisclosed country.

The T-70

The T-70 is a versatile utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in collaboration with Sikorsky Aircraft, based on the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk. This helicopter is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and cargo lift operations.

Equipped with advanced avionics, a powerful twin-engine setup, and sophisticated navigation systems, the T-70 offers exceptional reliability and performance. Its four-bladed main rotor, with a diameter of 16.36 meters, provides excellent stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for various operational environments.

The T-70 is fitted with a range of modern communication and mission equipment, making it a robust platform for both military and civilian applications. The T-70’s adaptability and advanced features make it a competitive choice in the global market for utility helicopters, especially for countries seeking a reliable and versatile platform. The T-70 Black Hawk helicopter, developed under a $3.5 billion program, appeals to nations looking for a capable and affordable utility helicopter solution.

Upcoming Future Helicopter
T925 Helicopter:

The T-925 is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as a heavy-lift rotorcraft designed to serve military, civilian, and industrial sectors.

The helicopter is being built with versatility in mind, drawing on Turkey’s extensive experience with the Russian Mil Mi-17 (“Hip”) transport-gunships, American Sikorsky S-70 “Black Hawk,” and French Airbus “Cougar” models.

The T925 is set to take its inaugural flight in 2024, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2026. Designed for both search-and-rescue and firefighting missions, it has the capability to drop up to 2.5 tonnes of water.

T929 ATAK 2

The T929 ATAK 2 heavy attack helicopter, a heavier and larger variant of the T129 that it seeks to replace in Turkish service, has been introduced by TAI. The rotorcraft, created under the ATAK-2 programme and powered by Ukrainian-made engines, is anticipated to be handed to the Turkish Army starting in 2025, according to officials.

T929 helicopter is equipped with tandem seats, an asymmetrical weapons bay, a large capacity for ammunition, a low IR signature, a digital cockpit, ballistic protection, better avionics, and the potential to engage in electronic warfare and countermeasure operations.

In addition, it has an Aselsan forward-looking electro-optic/infrared turret and a T-30H 30 mm chain cannon positioned on the chin.

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Defence

Russia’s NV.17 Hybrid Helicopter Aims to Balance Light and Heavy Helicopter Needs

As Western sanctions continue to impact Russia’s aviation sector, the country is making significant strides in advancing its domestic aerospace capabilities.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Russia has unveiled the Heliburo HB.17, a cutting-edge hybrid-powered medium-class helicopter that promises to reshape both commercial and military aviation.

The helicopter is currently in the technical design phase, with plans for its first flight slated for 2027. This marks a major step forward in Russia’s efforts to modernize its aviation fleet and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

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The HB.17 is designed as a versatile, multi-role aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of functions. It is built to handle cargo transport, passenger carriage, reconnaissance, and close air support missions. With its robust design and flexible capabilities, the HB.17 is expected to meet the needs of both military and commercial operators, offering a solution for missions requiring a greater capacity than light helicopters but avoiding the limitations of larger aircraft.

One of the most innovative features of the HB.17 is its hybrid power plant. This combination of conventional and electric technologies enhances fuel efficiency, allowing the helicopter to stay airborne for up to seven hours without needing to refuel.

This extended operational endurance makes the HB.17 particularly well-suited for long-duration missions, providing a significant advantage over traditional helicopters. Additionally, the HB.17 will be equipped with modern avionics, ensuring advanced navigation, communication, and operational capabilities.

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The HB.17 is positioned to compete with other medium-class helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-60/62 and the Mil Mi-38. However, its hybrid powerplant and modern avionics set it apart, offering a more efficient and technologically advanced alternative.

Its multi-role versatility, combined with its fuel efficiency and cutting-edge systems, gives it a competitive edge in the evolving aviation landscape. The introduction of the HB.17 follows recent reports of Russia receiving a new batch of armored vehicles from the UAE-based Streit Group.

Russia has traditionally focused on producing helicopters for defense purposes, but this time, it appears to be venturing into the civilian helicopter market with the HB.17.

This, along with the ongoing development of the HB.17, reflects Russia’s continued efforts to modernize its military assets and increase its self-reliance, even as sanctions continue to pressure its defense and aerospace sectors.

As Russia faces mounting geopolitical challenges, the HB.17 stands as a symbol of resilience, technological innovation, and determination to maintain its military and aviation capabilities.