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MAIDEN FLIGHT OF TAI BUILT T129 HELICOPTER SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED

The maiden flight of the first prototype T-129 “P6” of the T-129 ATAK Helicopter to be built by TAI as the principal

Date: Issue 30 - October 2011

FIRST DELIVERY IN 2013

The contractor agreement signed in 2008 calls for TAI to be the main contractor with ASELSAN and AgustaWestland as the sub-contractors in which during the first stage of the project 51 T-129 helicopters will be built and an optional 41 helicopters that takes place in the agreement are to be produced according to future requirements. Valued at a total of 3 billion USD, TAI, in addition having joint intellectual property rights to the T-129 configuration, will also have the right to undertake the same work share in sales to all countries and direct sale and marketing rights to all nations throughout the globe.

Due to the fact that the components of the ATAK Helicopter Project are to be realized through national efforts with emphasis on indigenous materials, the strategically important T-129 ATAK Helicopter possesses modern and effective-proven weapon systems with locally designed and produced avionic and weapon systems. The T-129 ATAK Helicopter’s indigenous mission computer, sighting device, communication and electronic combat systems are to be developed by the pioneer corporation of the Turkish defence industry, ASELSAN. The high performance engine, the automatic flight control system and the aircraft condition monitoring system of the T-129 ATAK Helicopter will be integrated by the leading global helicopter industry giant, the AgustaWestland Corporation. Aside from this, the helicopter has close to 40 locally produced devices such as the UMTAS anti-tank missiles; the AselFLIR-300T Day/Night Vision and Thermal Targeting System; the CIRIT Semi-Active Laser Guided 70 mm Rocket, crypto and the AVCI Helmet-Mounted Cueing System.

Within the framework of the ATAK Program, the first T-129 is planned to be delivered to the Land Forces Command in 2013.




The maiden flight of the P6 prototype built by TAI is among the important cornerstones of the ATAK Program. The first P6 prototype among the three prototypes to be built by TAI indicates the level of technology that TAI has reached.

In all of its work from the beginning of its founding, having always kept in mind the development of technological capacity that will support the national strength of our country and the military capacity of this as a sub-factor, TAI continues its activities within this understanding with priority in the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) aerospace requirements on the axis of developing capabilities and products through indigenous and dominant systems. TAI, in line with its vision and mission, commenced with its production activities with ultramodern and complete facilities that is no less than its counterparts in the world and has successfully realized the joint production of the high technology F-16 Fighting Falcons; the CN-235 Light Transport; the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircrafts; the SF-260D Training Aircraft; the Cougar AS-532 Search and Rescue (SAR); the Cougar AS-532 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and the General Purpose Helicopters. By utilizing the experience and accumulation of knowledge it has obtained, TAI has made important strides in acquiring the technology in the design, production, modernization, modification and system integration in the areas of fixed and revolving wing air platforms, unmanned airborne vehicles and satellites. TAI employs approximately 4,000 qualified and experienced personnel of which 1,500 are engineers.