Aviation

Interesting facts about Turkish T129 Helicopter

The Turkish T129 is a formidable twin-engine multi-role attack helicopter jointly designed and manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Italy-based AgustaWestland, catering to the specific requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces.

The T129 is designed to perform a diverse range of missions, including combat, armed reconnaissance, armed escort, deep strike, fire support, precision strike, security, and suppression of enemy air defenses.

The helicopter is capable of operating in both day and night conditions, providing flexibility in various operational environments. It is equipped to handle adverse weather conditions.

T129 features a five-bladed main rotor with a diameter of 11.9 meters, providing stability and maneuverability. It also includes a two-bladed tail rotor.

The T129 is armed with a variety of weapons, including 76 x 70 mm Classic Rockets, 8 x UMTAS Anti-Tank Missiles, a 20 mm turreted gun with 500 rounds, 16 x 70 mm CIRIT Guided ATGM Missiles, 8 x STINGER Air-to-Air Missiles, and more.

The helicopter has four wing store stations that allow for a flexible configuration of weapons and equipment to suit different mission requirements.

Recently, T129 has seen international adoption, with deliveries to foreign military forces, such as the Nigerian Air Force. with the confirmation of the first two out of six helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries. The remaining helicopters are expected to arrive before the second quarter of 2024, enhancing Nigeria’s aerial capabilities.

With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 5,065 kg, the T129 exhibits exceptional performance metrics.

T129 is powered by two Turboshaft Engines, specifically the LHTEC – CTS800-4A, each providing take-off power of 1,024 kW.

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 US$50 million, the T129 is positioned as a cost-effective option for nations seeking advanced multi-role attack capabilities.

The T929 ATAK 2 heavy attack helicopter, is a heavier and larger variant of the T129. 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,

Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

Airbus and the Antonov An-225: The Best Partnership:Click here

“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

The six largest cargo aircraft ever built in the aviation industry:Click here

“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”