ILA 2014: T129 ATAK “Now in Theatres”

The T129 ATAK Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter, the choice of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), has been optimised for ‘hot and high’ operations, while providing the following key characteristics:

• Day and night all environment capability; effective, precise weapon systems that provide combat superiority while low visual, aural, radar and IR signatures, a high level of crashworthiness and ballistic tolerance provide high battlefield survivability,
• Excellent situational awareness through good visibility arcs and fully integrated mission and communication systems,
• Decreased crew workload through superior performance, agility and platform stability as well as handling qualities,
• Reduced Preparation Time augmented by off-board Mission Planning System and reduced take-off time, and 
• Low operating cost through effective design and on-condition maintenance.

The T129 ATAK Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter is a new generation, two-seat, twin engine helicopter specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance missions. (Photo: TAI)

New Generation Combat Helicopter…

The T129 ATAK is a new generation, two-seat, twin engine helicopter specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance missions. It is derived from the combat proven A129CBT. The new design accommodates new engines (LHTEC CTS 800-4A), avionics, electro-optics and weapon systems, a modified airframe, and uprated drive train and tail rotor.

The T129 ATAK, with, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the best power to weight ratio in its class, has survivability features and asymmetric weapon delivery capability. The weapon capability includes a 20mm turreted gun with a 500 round capacity, 70mm unguided rockets, Roketsan MIZRAK guided anti-tank missiles and CIRIT 70mm guided rockets (designed for the TAF), and STINGER missiles for air-to-air purposes.

A Success Story

The programme started in 2007 for development and production of 91 helicopters as a joint collaboration of TAI and AgustaWestland also known as the ATAK Team. Within the scope of programme, the first T129 ATAK Helicopter was delivered to the TAF in April 2014 and as of today over 4,000 test flight hours were accumulated during the flight and firing tests, qualification and acceptance as well as training activities. The overall programme is a success story of the Turkish aerospace and defence industry in terms of design, development and international collaboration.

As an outcome of the endorsement provided by the TAF, the already strong international interest in the T129 ATAK as a superior alternative is expected to intensify.

T129 ATAK Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter  (Photo: TAI)