TUSAŞ CEO Temel Kotil, in an interview with CNN Türk at the Farnborough Airshow, shared the information that the ATAK T129 helicopter will be exported to Nigeria.
The ATAK T129 helicopter, which stands out as the best in its class, continues to achieve export success despite engine blockages imposed by the US. Speaking to CNN Türk, TUSAŞ CEO Temel Kotil shared the information that six ATAK helicopters will be exported to Nigeria. Built on the Agusta Westland A129 platform, all avionics, electronics, and weapon control systems of the ATAK T129 helicopter are developed by Turkish engineers.
The ATAK T129, an attack helicopter used by the Turkish military, has attracted attention due to its superior performance in challenging terrain and air conditions, especially in counter-terrorism operations, and is receiving significant demand from abroad. The current ATAK T129 helicopters use two 1360 horsepower LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines. While this powertrain plays a crucial role in the ATAK T129's success, it also stands as an obstacle to its export success.
TEI Turboshaft Engine Development Project
The Turbojet Engine Development Project (TMGP) aims to localize the engine systems, which are among the most important components of these projects, and to increase the localization rate of these projects while reducing their dependence on foreign sources. Within this scope, the Turbojet Engine Development Project was officially launched on March 8, 2017.
The TEI TS1400 Turboshaft engine, developed by TEI and initially expected to enter service with the Gökbey helicopter, and currently undergoing testing, is expected to pave the way for the export of the ATAK T129 helicopter.
While there is no definitive information on when the military-standard version of the TS1400 engine will be completed, we hope to see it successfully integrated into the ATAK T129 helicopter and its export facilitated as soon as possible.
