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.

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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.

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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.