TAI T129 Attack Helicopter

TAI T129 Attack Helicopter

The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter.It is based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform.Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A., the T129 ATAK is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in challenging environments.These missions can be carried out both during the day and at night.

Development and Origins:

• The ATAK program was initiated to meet the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces for an armed tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter.
• Turkey decided to co-develop and produce 51 (with 40 options) attack helicopters based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta.
• The T129 ATAK is assembled in Turkey by TAI.
• Key components, including avionics, weapons systems, and engines, were developed indigenously.
• The helicopter integrates Turkish-developed technology onto the AgustaWestland A129 airframe.

Overview:

• Role: Attack helicopter
• National Origin: Italy / Turkey
• Manufacturer: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
• First Flight: 28 September 2009
• Introduction: 2014
• Primary Users: Turkish Army, Gendarmerie General Command, General Directorate of Security (Turkey), Philippine Air Force
• Number Built: 78 (+7 prototypes as of December 2022)
• Unit Cost: Approximately US$50 million

Features:

• The T129 ATAK boasts upgraded engines, transmission, and rotor blades.
• It excels in hot and high environments, making it suitable for rough geography.
• Armed with indigenous avionics and weapon systems, it serves the Turkish Army and other services.

  

  T129 ATAK Helicopter

Specifications:

• Crew: 2
• Length: 14.54 m (47 ft 8 in)
• Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
• Max takeoff weight: 5,056 kg (11,147 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft, 1,024 kW (1,373 hp) each 
• Main rotor diameter: 11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
• Main rotor area: 111.22 m² (1,197.2 sq ft)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 281 km/h (175 mph, 152 kn) ("maximum cruise speed")
• Range: 537 km (334 mi, 290 nmi)
• Ferry range: 1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi)
• Endurance: 3 hr
• Service ceiling: 4,572 m (15,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 13.26 m/s (2,610 ft/min) , vertical climb rate 7.3 m/s

Armament

• Guns: 1× M197 20x102 mm (0.787 in) three-barrel rotary cannon (500 rounds)
• Hardpoints: 4 , with provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Rockets: maximum 4 pods with
    • 76 (19×4) / 48 (12×4): 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets such as MKE FFAR, Hydra 70, CRV7
  • Missiles:
    
    • 8 (4×2) UMTAS: 160 mm UMTAS and L-UMTAS anti-tank guided missiles.
    • 16 (4×4) Cirit: 70 mm guided missile used against lightly armored / unarmored targets
    • 8 (2×4) Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS): short range air-to-air missile
  • Other: 2 (1×2) Drop tanks: 294 kg each

Avionics

• Aselsan ASELFLIR-300T electro-optical FLIR system

Yes, the T129 ATAK is a Turkish attack helicopter manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) under license from the Italian-British company AgustaWestland, now Leonardo. Here's some information about the T129 ATAK:

Overview:

The T129 ATAK is a tandem-seat, twin-engine, multirole attack helicopter developed for the Turkish Armed Forces. It is derived from the Agusta A129 Mangusta and features various enhancements and modifications to meet the specific requirements of the Turkish military.

 Development and Introduction:

- The T129 ATAK project began in the early 2000s to fulfill the Turkish Army's need for a modern attack helicopter.

- Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) collaborated with AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) to develop the T129, which is based on the A129 Mangusta platform.

- The first prototype flew in 2009, and the T129 ATAK entered service with the Turkish Army in 2014.

Design and Features:

1. Armament: The T129 ATAK is equipped with a wide range of weapon systems, including a 20mm cannon, guided and unguided rockets, anti-tank missiles (such as the UMTAS and Hellfire), and air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

2. Avionics: The helicopter features a modern glass cockpit with multifunction displays (MFDs), helmet-mounted sight system (HMSS), night vision goggles (NVGs), and advanced sensors for targeting and situational awareness.

3. Protection: The T129 incorporates composite armor plating, infrared (IR) suppression, and electronic countermeasures (ECM) to enhance survivability against threats such as enemy fire and missiles.

4. Performance: Powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines, the T129 ATAK has a maximum speed of around 280 km/h (174 mph) and a range of approximately 561 km (349 miles). It has a service ceiling of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet) and can operate in various environmental conditions.

Variants:

- The T129 ATAK is available in different configurations to meet the specific requirements of customers. Variants may include upgrades to avionics, sensors, and weapon systems.

Operators:

- In addition to Turkey, the T129 ATAK has been exported to other countries, including Pakistan. It has garnered interest from several other potential customers.

Operational History:

- The T129 ATAK has seen combat operations in various theaters, including counter-insurgency operations against Kurdish militants in southeastern Turkey and cross-border operations in northern Iraq.

Future Upgrades:

- TAI continues to invest in the development of the T129 ATAK, with ongoing upgrades and enhancements to maintain its combat effectiveness and technological superiority.

The T129 ATAK represents Turkey's indigenous capability in developing and operating advanced attack helicopters, providing crucial fire support and combat capabilities to the Turkish Armed Forces and other operators worldwide.