The countdown has begun for the test flight of the experimental prototype of ARIKOPTER, the first helicopter designed by Istanbul Technical University with the support of the State Planning Organization and manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ).
ARIKOPTER, whose ground tests will be completed in June, is scheduled to make its first flight next year.
ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammed Şahin stated, “Our aim with this project was to design an original aircraft and observe its performance under controlled conditions. Although some components were made through foreign partnerships due to the lack of a sub-industry in Türkiye, the entire design, drawings, and production, including the rotor system, resulted in a helicopter that is original and belongs to us. Furthermore, we produced the test stand necessary for testing the helicopter's blades and rotor using our own resources.” Şahin added, “When the helicopter is completed, we will have proven that we can build a helicopter using our own resources by transforming a Turkish design into production. More importantly, we will be freed from dependence on foreign countries for maintenance and spare parts. This will increase our competitiveness in the global market.”.
