T129 ATAK | |
---|---|
Role | Attack helicopter |
National origin | Italy / Turkey [1] |
Manufacturer | Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) [1] |
Design group | Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) [1] / AgustaWestland (Leonardo from 2017) [2] |
First flight | 28 September 2009 |
Introduction | 2014 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | Turkish Army Gendarmerie General Command General Directorate of Security (Turkey) Philippine Air Force |
Produced | 2009–present |
Number built | 100 (+7 prototypes) (2023) [3] [4] |
Developed from | Agusta A129 Mangusta |
The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform. It was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) [1] in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A. [2] The helicopter is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions. [5] [6]
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces for an armed tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The T129 is the result of the integration of Turkish-developed avionics, airframe modifications, and weapon systems onto the AgustaWestland A129 airframe, with upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades. It is in use by the Turkish Army and other services including the Turkish Gendarmerie. [7] [8] [9] The helicopter has a unit cost of roughly US$50 million. [10]
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. [11] [ unreliable source? ] Turkey announced on 30 March 2007 that it had decided to negotiate with AgustaWestland to co-develop and produce 51 (with 40 options) attack helicopters based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta. [12] [13] It is to be assembled in Turkey by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as the T129. On 7 September 2007, a $1.2 billion contract was signed. [14] [15] [16]
On 22 June 2008, the agreement between TUSAS Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland formally entered into force. Under the agreement, TAI would develop an indigenous mission computer, avionics, weapons systems, self-protection suites and the helmet-mounting cuing systems. Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) would manufacture the LHTEC CTS800-4N engines under licence. [17] Under the agreement, Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T129 platform; Turkey can export also the platform to third party nations, excluding Italy and the United Kingdom. [18] However, the T129's LHTEC CTS800-4N gives the United States a veto over any prospective export sales and so Turkey developed its own TEI TS1400 powerplant. [19] [20] [21] About 95% of the initial parts of the serial production T129 are manufactured in Turkey. [1]
On 16 July 2007, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Meteksan Savunma Sanayii AŞ and Bilkent University formed a consortium to develop an advanced millimetre wave radar (MILDAR), similar to the Longbow and the IAI/ELTA radars, intended to enter service in 2009. [22] [23] MILDAR was successfully completed development in February 2012. [24]
In 2007, it was reported that one helicopter will be kept by the Turkish Ministry of Defense and used as a systems development testbed while the remaining 50 T129s will be delivered to the Turkish Army. An optional 40 further T129s will be produced if necessary. [25] These rotorcraft would be designated T129B. [8] In November 2010, Turkey ordered an additional nine T129s, increasing its total on order to 60. [26] [27] These T129s were for an urgent Turkish Army operational requirement and was built by TAI for delivery in 2012, one year prior to the delivery of the previously ordered 51 helicopters. [14] [28] Designated T129A, these lack advanced anti-tank missiles; as a result of delays, they entered service in 2014. [8]
On 28 September 2009, the T129's maiden flight took place when the P1 prototype flew at AgustaWestland's facilities in Vergiate, Italy. [29] On 19 March 2010, the first T129 prototype (P1) conducted high-altitude hover tests near Verbania, Italy following the completion of several successful test flights. During the hover test, T129 P1 lost its tail rotor at 15,000 feet. Test pilot Cassioli regained enough control to steer away from a residential area before crashing; the crew escaped without serious injuries. [30] [31] On 17 August 2011, TAI announced the first successful flight of the T129 prototype "P6", the first of three prototypes to be assembled in Turkey. [32]
In 2013, media reports claimed that the first batch of helicopters delivered to the Turkish Army for trials did not meet the contracted requirements, specifically in terms of "vibration, balance, weight". The T129 was nose-heavy; to resolve this, 137 kg was added to the tail, causing the total weight to exceed the specified requirement. The higher weight may decrease the T129's service ceiling, which is detrimental for operating under hot and high conditions, like those found in Southeastern Anatolia. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries will adjust the contract in accordance, although experts expect weight reductions as development continues. [33]
On 22 April 2014, TAI formally delivered the first serial production T129 to the Turkish Land Forces. [1] A total of nine T129s of the first batch were delivered to the Turkish Land Forces after completing qualification testing. [34]
HAVELSAN developed a simulator system for the T129 and presented it at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2017. [35]
The T129 ATAK is optimized for "hot and high conditions", performance requirements against challenging geographical and environmental conditions in night and day operations. [1] [36] It has several key improvements over the original A129 inline with the requirements of the Turkish Army. [1] [37] The T129 has been designed to achieve a high level of maneuverability, high impact resistance and ballistic tolerance, along with a reduced visibility, sound and radar silhouette. [1]
The helicopter is equipped with the Hunter Kaska integrated control system. This system, which was purpose-designed for the T129, enables the automatic orientation of target detection and weapon systems to the pilot's line of sight with high tracking accuracy. [1] The T129 is also equipped with a dedicated electro-optical FLIR system ASELFLIR-300T, [38] suitable for multi-purpose mission operations, it is manufactured by the Turkish company Aselsan. [39] [1] The rotorcraft is also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capabilities in combat situations. These systems include a Radar Warning Receiver (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer (RFKS) and a Laser Receiver (LIAS) in addition to an automatic Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS). [1]
The T129 can be used in a variety of roles, including anti-armour, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, asymmetrical, fire support and short range anti-aircraft missions. It is equipped with a single 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon fitted on a nose turret with 500 rounds of ammunition. The T129 can also be equipped with up to eight UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles and eight air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles. [1]
In May 2014, the Turkish Army formally inducted the first nine T129s into service; these initial rotorcraft were to a less advanced interim T129A EDH model, intended to replace some of the ageing AH-1s in use prior to the introduction of the more capable T129B variant to service. [40] On 25 April 2015, a pair of T129s were used in combat for the first time in a counter-terrorism operation in Turkey's Siirt Province. [41] Delivery of the final EDH-standard T129s took place on 31 July 2015. [42]
On 10 February 2018, during the Turkish military operation in Afrin, a Turkish Army T129 was shot down by Kurdish YPG anti-aircraft fire in Kırıkhan district of Hatay Province; the loss was confirmed by the Turkish Armed Forces and President Erdoğan. [43]
When the Philippine Air Force (PAF) re-evaluated its capabilities and performance after the siege of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, it found that the MD-520MG Defender and the newer AW-109E Power armed helicopters did not have sufficient firepower. [44] [45] In 2017, the Philippine government received confirmation from the Jordanian government that they would provide two used Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, [46] [47] with options for more, subject to the decision of the Jordanian government. [48]
Instead of acquiring more light armed helicopters, the PAF favoured purpose-built attack helicopters, even if acquired in smaller quantities. In the end, the PAF's Technical Working Group (TWG) selected the T129 due to its lower price than its American competitors in 2018. [49] [45] The delay was due to sanctions on supplying the LHTEC T800-4A engines, which was eventually resolved when the US approved the helicopters for export. [49] [50] [51] TAI was able to offer six T129s for the approved budget of around Php 13.8 Billion. [52] [53]
In 2021, the Department of National Defense signed a contract for the purchase of six T129Bs for Php13.7 billion via a government-to-government deal with the Turkish Ministry of Defense. [54] [55] By December 2022, a total of four T129Bs and accompanying spare parts and logistical support had been accepted by the PAF; the last two helicopters were expected to be completed and delivered by 2023. [50] The T129Bs are to be deployed to the 15th Strike Wing. [56]
In May 2024, two more T129s have formally entered active duty, effectively completing the delivery of six helicopters. [57] [58]
According to a statement by the Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Temel Kotil during the Farnborough Airshow, TAI will provide six T129s to Nigeria under a recent contract. [59] [60] In January 2023, the Nigerian Air Chief announced that Nigeria will receive 6 T129s by the end of the first quarter of 2023. [61] In November 2023, Nigeria took delivery of 2 T129 ATAK helicopters and have been effectively operational in the war against insurgency. [62]
In September 2018, Brazil showed interest in acquiring T129 with army officials visiting Turkey. In March 2019, ten Brazilian Army pilots received certificates for completing T129 test flights at Forte Ricardo Kirk, Taubaté. [63] [64]
In an Iraqi TV broadcast, the Iraqi defense minister announced in August 2021 that Iraq will acquire 12 T129 ATAK helicopters. [65]
In 2017, Pakistan indicated that it was interested in possibly purchasing the T129 for the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC), as a replacement to their ageing Bell AH-1F Cobra gunships; the PAAC had extensively tested the T129 and the Z-10ME in 2016. [66] [67]
In May 2018, Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) announced that Pakistan is purchasing 30 T129s for US$1.5 billion, which Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) confirmed in July. [68] However, Pakistan's T129 purchase has been politically complicated; the United States Department of Defense (DoD) refused to issue the export license for the LHTEC T800-4A engines that power the gunships owing to diplomatic issues between the United States and Turkey. [69] In 2020, Pakistan granted a one-year extension to TAI so that the latter could persuade the DoD to issue the required export license; TAI also approached its sister company, Tusaş Engine Industries, to develop an indigenous engine for the T129 as a possible replacement for the T800-4A. [70] TAI also hired a U.S-based lobbying firm, Capitol Counsel, to promote the issue to U.S. lawmakers. [71] In 2021, Pakistan granted a six-month extension to TAI in a further bid to resolve the issue. [70]
In January 2022, multiple reports of Pakistan cancelling the T129 deal in favor of the Z-10ME emerged. [72] [73] However, the Pakistani military's public relations wing - the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), denied the reports, stating that the deal had not been terminated. [74] [75]
In January 2019, it was reported that Qatar had signed a preliminary agreement to buy T129s. [76]
In 2011, Saudi Arabia asked Turkey to enter a tender to produce attack helicopters for the Saudi Air Force. [77]
On 31 July 2021, it was reported that Morocco was in the "advanced stage of negotiation" with Turkey for the purchase of 22 T129s. [78] Additional sources claimed previous negotiations were suspended in 2018 due to US sanctions. [79] [ needs update ]
In January 2013, a media report stated that South Korea's attack helicopter competition included the T129 in the final three bidders with the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the Boeing AH-64 Apache. [80] [81] However, the AH-64E Apache was chosen in April 2013. [82]
Data from Turkish Aerospace Industries [5] [1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
The Denel Rooivalk is an attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. Rooivalk is Afrikaans for "Red Falcon", which refers to the lesser kestrel. Development of the type began in 1984 by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation, its development is closely connected to the Atlas Oryx transport helicopter, both aircraft being based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and having started development at the same time.
The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter in military and civil use. First flown in 1987, it was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft. It is manufactured at factories in Yeovil, England, and Vergiate, Italy. Licensed assembly work has also taken place in Japan and the United States.
The Agusta A129 Mangusta is an attack helicopter originally designed and produced by Italian company Agusta. It is the first attack helicopter to be designed and produced wholly in Europe. It has continued to be developed by AgustaWestland, the successor company to Agusta. It has been exclusively operated by the Italian Army, which introduced the type to service during 1990.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is the youngest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, established four years after the nation became independent. As at 2021, the air force is one of the largest in Africa, consisting of over 18,000 personnel. Some of its popular aircraft include the Chengdu F-7s, Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, JF-17 Thunder Block II, T129 Atak, Agusta Westland 109, Eurocopter EC135 and Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano.
The LHTEC T800 is a turboshaft engine for rotary wing applications. It is produced by the LHTEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell. The commercial and export version is the CTS800. The engine was primarily developed for the United States Army's cancelled RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter, but has found use in other applications.
The IAI Heron (Machatz-1) is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Malat (UAV) division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) operations of up to 52 hours' duration at up to 10.5 km (35,000 ft). It has demonstrated 52 hours of continuous flight, but the effective operational maximal flight duration is less, according to payload and flight profile. An advanced version, the Heron TP, is also known as the IAI Eitan.
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. is a state-owned arms company in Turkey.
The Panha 2091 "Toufan" is an Iranian overhaul and upgrade of the Bell AH-1J International attack helicopter purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The overhaul and upgrade program is known as project number 2091 of the Iranian Helicopter Support and Renewal Company.
The AgustaWestland AW139, now known as the Leonardo AW139, is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced by the Italian helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo. It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, military use, offshore transport, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol.
Malatya Airport is a military and public airport in Malatya, Turkey. The airport, opened in 1941, is located 34 km (21 mi) from Malatya.
UMTAS or Mizrak-U(Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi) is a modern long range air-to-surface anti-tank guided missile developed by Turkish armor and missile manufacturer Roketsan.
The Pakistan Army Corps of Aviation is a military administrative and combined arms service branch of the Pakistan Army.
The IAIO Toufan or Toophan is series of combat helicopters by the Iran Aviation Industries Organization. Based on the US-built AH-1J SeaCobra, the Toufan has two variants, the Toufan I unveiled in May 2010 and the improved Toufan II unveiled in January 2013.
The TAI T625 Gökbey is a twin-engined light transport/utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries plans to offer the new platform to the Turkish Armed Forces and cooperating nations.
The Leonardo Helicopters AW249 Fenice is an attack helicopter project under development by the Italian firm Leonardo.
STM is a defence company in Turkey, operating in the civil, public and private sectors. STM produces various products and services in the fields of air, naval and land defense, as well as software and cyberspace.
The TAI T629 is a medium-weight attack helicopter currently being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The TAI T929 ATAK 2 is a twin-engine, heavy attack helicopter under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries. The helicopter is designed for attack, electronic warfare and reconnaissance missions in all-weather environments in both day and night conditions.
Atak or ATAK may refer to:
Advanced multi-role combat helicopter based on the Leonardo AW129, developed in Turkey by Turkish Aerospace Industries for the national and international markets. The helicopter business is a model of successful cooperation between Leonardo and the Turkish industries.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)