Aviation

First Made-in-Turkey T625 Gokbey Helicopter Enters Service to Replace Bell Huey Fleet

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.

In a key milestone, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has delivered the first T625 Gokbey utility helicopters to the country’s military police as part of a launch order for 20 aircraft.

10 Fascinating Facts About India’s AMCA Fighter Jet

The contract, signed with Ankara, outlines the delivery of a total of 20 medium-twin helicopters, with the first batch aimed primarily at replacing the aging Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) helicopters currently in service with the Turkish government.

The Gokbey’s inaugural deliveries include three units for the Gendarmerie, with additional orders from the army (7), air force (4), security directorate (3), and coast guard (3).

TAI plans to deliver two more Gokbeys before the year ends, with the next batch of 20 helicopters scheduled for delivery in 2025 to various Turkish government agencies, further bolstering the nation’s aerial capabilities.

Exploring the Different Types of Helicopter Rotor Systems and the Science Behind Them

Currently powered by twin LHTEC CTS800 engines from a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, TAI is also working on a domestic engine solution, the TS1400, developed by Tusas Engine Industries. The first flight of a T625 powered by the TS1400 took place in 2023, with hopes that deliveries of these new engines will commence in 2028.

The T625 Gokbey is designed with advanced features, including a four-axis, dual-redundant automatic flight control system and an ASELSAN glass cockpit, all contributing to its operational efficiency.

Weighing around 5 tonnes, the helicopter boasts a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor with a diameter of 13.20 meters, optimized to minimize vibration and noise.The T625 Gokbey has also attracted interest internationally, receiving a $1 billion offer from an undisclosed country, showcasing its potential in the global aerospace market.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

American Airlines Is Looking for Flight Attendants: Apply Now

The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

Close Call at Heathrow: BA Flight Narrowly Escapes Drone Collision

China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.