Jump to content

TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK

From Alfawiki
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
Company typeCompany
IndustryAerospace, Defense
Headquarters
Ankara
,
Turkey
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsT129 ATAK helicopter, aerospace and defense products
Websitewww.tai.com.tr


Template:Infobox aircraft

The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a multi-role, twin-engine attack helicopter featuring tandem seating, developed from the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform. This model was created through a collaboration between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)[1] and Leonardo S.p.A.[2]. Engineered for armed reconnaissance and strike operations, it performs effectively under challenging conditions such as high temperatures, elevated altitudes, and rugged terrain, functioning both during daylight and nighttime.[3]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Initiated to satisfy the Turkish Armed Forces' demand for a tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter, the T129 combines Turkish-developed avionics, modifications to the airframe, and weapon systems integrated onto the AgustaWestland A129 chassis. Enhancements include upgraded engines, transmission systems, and rotor blades. This helicopter is actively operated by the Turkish Army as well as other entities like the Gendarmerie General Command.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[4]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The approximate unit price is around US$50 million.[5]

Origins

File:EGLF - TAI T-129 Atak - P2 (28723994207).jpg
T129 ATAK showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018, Hampshire

The ATAK initiative was launched to fulfill the Turkish Armed Forces' need for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter.[6]Template:Unreliable source? On 30 March 2007, Turkey declared its intention to enter negotiations with AgustaWestland for the joint development and production of 51 attack helicopters, with an option for 40 additional units, based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform.[7][8] The helicopter would be assembled domestically by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) under the designation T129. A contract valued at $1.2 billion was signed on 7 September 2007.[9][10][11]

The formalization of the partnership between TUSAS Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland occurred on 22 June 2008. Per the agreement, TAI took responsibility for developing indigenous mission computers, avionics suites, weapons integration, self-defense systems, and helmet-mounted cueing devices. Meanwhile, Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) was tasked with licensed production of the LHTEC CTS800-4N engines.[12] Turkey retains full intellectual property and marketing rights to the T129 platform under this deal; it is authorized to export the helicopter to countries other than Italy and the United Kingdom.[13] However, because the LHTEC CTS800-4N engine is subject to U.S. export controls granting Washington veto power over potential sales, Turkey initiated development of its own indigenous engine, the TEI TS1400.[14][15][16] Nearly 95% of components for serially produced T129s originate from within Turkey.[1]

On 16 July 2007, a consortium comprising the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Meteksan Savunma Sanayii AŞ, and Bilkent University was established to develop an advanced millimetre wave radar system known as MILDAR. This radar was designed with capabilities similar to those of Longbow and IAI/ELTA systems and was projected to enter operational service by 2009.[17][18] The MILDAR project reached successful completion in February 2012.[19]

In reports from 2007, it was indicated that one helicopter would be retained by the Turkish Ministry of Defense as a dedicated test platform for systems development, while the remaining fifty units would be delivered to the Turkish Army. There was also provision for an optional additional production of forty helicopters if required.[20] These helicopters were designated as T129B.[4] In November of 2010, Turkey placed an order for nine more T129 helicopters, raising its total order count to sixty.[21][22] These additional helicopters addressed an urgent operational requirement from the Turkish Army and were constructed by TAI for delivery in 2012—one year earlier than the initial batch of fifty-one units.[9][23] Known as the T129A variant, these models do not include advanced anti-tank missile systems; due to delays, they entered active service in the year 2014.[4]

Flight testing

File:T-129-1001-FAR14-3651.JPG
T129 "1001" showcased at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow

The T129's inaugural flight occurred on 28 September 2009, when the P1 prototype took to the skies at AgustaWestland's facility in Vergiate, Italy.[24] Following multiple successful flights, on 19 March 2010, the initial T129 prototype (P1) performed high-altitude hover evaluations near Verbania, Italy. During this hover test at 15,000 feet, the P1 lost its tail rotor. Test pilot Cassioli managed to regain sufficient control to avoid a populated area before the helicopter crashed; fortunately, the crew survived without major injuries.[25][26] On 17 August 2011, TAI announced that the T129 prototype "P6" completed its maiden flight successfully; this was the first among three prototypes assembled domestically in Turkey.[27]

In 2013, reports surfaced indicating that the initial helicopters delivered to the Turkish Army for evaluation failed to fully comply with contractual specifications, particularly concerning "vibration, balance, and weight". The aircraft exhibited a forward-heavy balance; to counter this, an additional 137 kg was affixed to the tail section, resulting in a total weight surpassing contractual limits. This increased mass might reduce the T129's service ceiling, which poses challenges for operations in hot and high environments such as Southeastern Anatolia. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries planned to revise the contract accordingly, although specialists anticipate weight reduction improvements as development advances.[28]

On 22 April 2014, TAI officially handed over the first serial production T129 helicopter to the Turkish Land Forces.[1] After completing qualification testing, nine units from the initial production batch were delivered to the Turkish Land Forces.[29]

HAVELSAN created a simulator system tailored for the T129 and showcased it at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in 2017.[30]

Design

The T129 ATAK has been specifically engineered to excel in "hot and high" environments, meeting stringent performance criteria for operations under demanding geographical and climatic conditions during both day and night.[1][31] Several significant enhancements have been incorporated compared to the original A129, tailored to fulfill the requirements set by the Turkish Army.[1][32] Designed for exceptional agility, the helicopter also boasts robust impact resistance, enhanced ballistic protection, and minimized detection through reduced visual, acoustic, and radar signatures.[1]

The aircraft integrates the Hunter Kaska control system, developed exclusively for the T129 platform. This system allows automatic alignment of target acquisition and weaponry with the pilot’s line of sight, ensuring precise tracking capability.[1] Additionally, it features the electro-optical ASELFLIR-300T Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system,[33] produced by Turkish defense firm Aselsan, designed to support diverse mission profiles.[34][1] To enhance survivability in hostile environments, the helicopter is outfitted with sophisticated electronic warfare and countermeasure suites. These include a Radar Warning Receiver (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer (RFKS), Laser Receiver (LIAS), and an automated Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS).[1]

The T129 serves multiple operational roles such as anti-armor engagements, armed reconnaissance missions, ground assault, escort duties, asymmetric warfare, fire support, and short-range air defense. Its armament includes a single 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon mounted on a nose turret with an ammunition capacity of 500 rounds. Furthermore, it can carry up to eight UMTAS 160 mm long-range anti-tank missiles, 76 unguided 70mm rockets intended for close air support, 16 CIRIT 70 mm guided missiles, and eight air-launched Stinger short-range air-to-air missiles.[1]

Turkey

File:T129 ATAK 24.jpg
T129 showcasing an aerial demonstration at the Paris Air Show 2019

The Turkish Army officially introduced the first nine T129 helicopters into active service in May 2014. These initial units were the less advanced, interim T129A EDH version, designed to gradually replace some of the older AH-1 helicopters still operational until the more advanced T129B variant became available.[35] On 25 April 2015, two T129 helicopters were deployed in combat for the first time during a counter-terrorism mission in Turkey's Siirt Province.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The delivery of all EDH-standard T129s was completed by 31 July 2015.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

During the Turkish military operation in Afrin in northern Syria on 10 February 2018, a Turkish Army T129 was downed by anti-aircraft fire from Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). This incident was confirmed by both the Turkish Armed Forces and President Erdoğan.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Philippines

File:2024-05-19 T129 Complete Delivery 005.jpg
Delivery of a Philippine Air Force T-129B helicopter in 2024

Following its assessment of operational capabilities after the 2017 siege of Marawi against ISIS-inspired militants, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) concluded that its MD-520MG Defender and AW-109E Power armed helicopters lacked adequate firepower.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[36] Consequently, instead of expanding its fleet of light armed helicopters, the PAF opted for dedicated attack helicopters, albeit in smaller numbers. Among the options presented were the Boeing AH-64 Apache,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name the Bell AH-1Z Viper,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name and the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. In 2018, the PAF's Technical Working Group selected the T129 due to its comparatively lower acquisition cost.[37][36] TAI proposed six T129 units within a budget allocation of approximately Php 13.8 billion, financed through Multi-Year Contractual Authorities.[38]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

File:2022-03-09 PAF T129.jpg
One of the initial T129B helicopters delivered to the Philippine Air Force (Note: image is mirrored).

In 2021, a contract was signed by the Department of National Defense for six T129B helicopters valued at Php13.7 billion, utilizing Multi-Year Contractual Authorities[38] through a government-to-government agreement with Turkey’s Ministry of Defense.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name By December 2022, four T129Bs along with spare parts and logistical support had been accepted by the PAF; delivery of the remaining two helicopters was anticipated by 2023.[39] These aircraft are assigned to the 15th Strike Wing.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In May 2024, two additional T129s were officially commissioned into service, marking the completion of all six helicopter deliveries.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Nigeria

During the Farnborough Airshow, Temel Kotil, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries, revealed that TAI is set to deliver six T129 helicopters to Nigeria as part of a recent agreement. In January 2023, the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff confirmed that these six T129s would be received by Nigeria before the conclusion of the first quarter of that year. By November 2023, Nigeria had taken delivery of two T129 ATAK helicopters, which have since been actively deployed in counterinsurgency operations.

Potential operators

File:2024-05-19 T129 Complete Delivery 004.jpg
Two T129s in 2024

Brazil

Brazil demonstrated interest in the T129 helicopter in September 2018, with military representatives visiting Turkey to explore acquisition possibilities. Subsequently, in March 2019, ten pilots from the Brazilian Army were awarded certificates after completing test flights of the T129 at Forte Ricardo Kirk, located in Taubaté.

Iraq

During a televised announcement in August 2021, Iraq's defense minister revealed plans to procure 12 T129 ATAK helicopters.

Pakistan

In 2017, Pakistan expressed interest in acquiring the T129 helicopter for its Army Aviation Corps (PAAC) to replace its aging fleet of Bell AH-1F Cobra gunships. The PAAC conducted extensive evaluations of both the T129 and the CAIC Z-10ME in 2016.

By May 2018, Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) declared that Pakistan had agreed to purchase 30 T129 helicopters for approximately US$1.5 billion, a deal later confirmed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in July. However, the procurement faced political hurdles when the United States Department of Defense (DoD) declined to grant the export license for the LHTEC T800-4A engines powering these helicopters due to diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Turkey.

In response, Pakistan extended TAI's deadline by one year in 2020 to allow negotiations with the DoD for the required export approval. Concurrently, TAI sought assistance from its affiliate, Tusaş Engine Industries, to develop a domestic engine alternative for the T129. Additionally, TAI engaged Capitol Counsel, a U.S.-based lobbying firm, to advocate for the export license before American lawmakers. Another six-month extension was granted by Pakistan in 2021 as efforts to resolve the licensing issue continued.

Reports surfaced in January 2022 suggesting that Pakistan had canceled the T129 contract in favor of acquiring the Z-10ME helicopters from China. Nevertheless, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan's military public relations branch, refuted these claims, affirming that the agreement remained intact.

Qatar

In January 2019, reports emerged indicating that Qatar had entered into a preliminary contract to acquire T129 helicopters.

Saudi Arabia

Back in 2011, Saudi Arabia invited Turkey to participate in a tender for manufacturing attack helicopters intended for the Saudi Air Force.

Morocco

On 31 July 2021, it was announced that Morocco was reportedly in advanced negotiations with Turkey regarding the procurement of 22 T129 attack helicopters. Other sources mentioned that earlier talks had been paused in 2018 due to United States sanctions.

South Korea

A report from January 2013 revealed that the T129 was among the final three contenders in South Korea's attack helicopter competition, competing alongside the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the Boeing AH-64 Apache. Nevertheless, by April 2013, the AH-64E Apache was selected as the winning bid.

Variants

T129A EDH (Erken Duhul Helikopteri, meaning Early Delivery Helicopter)
The T129A model serves as the "combat support" variant, featuring a 20 mm gatling cannon along with ammunition and the capability to deploy 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets. A total of nine units have been ordered.[40] Six of these helicopters have already been delivered to the Turkish Army. Plans are in place to upgrade the T129A units to the T129B configuration.[4]
T129B
The T129B represents the "multi-role" configuration, equipped with electronic warfare capabilities. Production is scheduled for 51 helicopters, including one designated as a weapons test platform. Armaments consist of a 20 mm gatling gun, complemented by a diverse payload capacity: eight UMTAS anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), sixteen Cirit missiles, eight air-launched Stinger missiles, and seventy-six 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets.[3]

Operators

File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria
File:Flag of the Philippines.svg Philippines
Template:Country data Somalia
File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey

Specifications (T129 ATAK)

File:TAI-AgustaWestland T129 orthographical image.svg
File:T-129-1001-FAR14-3653.JPG
TAI T129 Attack Helicopter equipped with UMTAS missiles
File:T-129-1001-FAR14-3652.JPG
M197 20 mm triple-barrel rotary cannon alongside the ASELFLIR-300T electro-optical FLIR system

Template:Aircraft specs

See also

Lua error in mw.title.lua at line 359: bad argument #2 to 'title.new' (unrecognized namespace name 'Portal'). Template:Aircontent

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named T 129 ATAK TAI Website
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Leonardo2021
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named T 129 ATAK TAI PDF
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named T129 cost
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ "Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter Procurement Program" Archived 31 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Turkey Undersecretariat for Defence Industries
  8. ↑ "Turkey Announces the Start of Contract Negotiations With AgustaWestland for the ATAK Project" Archived 19 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine. AgustaWestland, 31 March 2007.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Turkey Finally Lands Its Attack Helicopters" Archived 14 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Defense Industry Daily, 28 March 2012.
  10. ↑ Ozbek, Tolga. "AgustaWestland 129 to be model for Turkish ATAK" Archived 6 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, 14 September 2007.
  11. ↑ T129 ATAK page Archived 26 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Turkish Aerospace Industries
  12. ↑ TEI News 2010, p. 7 Archived 27 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Tusaş Engine Industries, Inc.
  13. ↑ (in Turkish) "ATAK Helikopter Projesi'nde mutlu son". Milliyet, 22 June 2008.
  14. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Kara Hedef Angajmanı İçin Milimetrik Dalga Radar Teknikleri Geliştirilmesi Projesi Sözleşmesi İmza Töreni Archived 4 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine, 16 Temmuz 2007.
  18. ↑ MILDAR (Millimeter Wave Radar) Capabilities Template:Fix/category[permanent dead link]. meteksansavunma.com.tr
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ Savunma ve Havacılık (Defence and Aerospace) magazine. Issue no: 122. October 2007. pp. 26-28.
  21. ↑ "Turkey Orders Nine More T129 Helicopters For The Land Forces Command" Archived 12 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine. AgustaWestland, 8 November 2010.
  22. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "Turkey signs for more T129 attack helicopters ". Flight International, 9 November 2010.
  23. ↑ "Seeking Top Role in Turkey". Defense News, 29 November 2010, p. 26.
  24. ↑ "ATAK team flies first T129 prototype" Archived 3 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flight Global.
  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  26. ↑ ASN Wikibase Occurrence #73522 Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Aviation Safety Network, 21 March 2010.
  27. ↑ [1] Archived 29 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. TAI press release
  28. ↑ "T-129 not meeting requirements, requirements are changing" Archived 24 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Kokpit.aero, 22 February 2013.
  29. ↑ "TAI marks Turkish T129 ATAK milestone" Archived 19 August 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Shephardmedia.com, 18 August 2015.
  30. ↑ IDEF 2017: HAVELSAN WILL SHOWCASE SIMULATOR FOR THE TAI T-129 ATAK Archived 1 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine. quwa.org, 1 May 2017.
  31. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  32. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  33. ↑ "ASELFLIR-300T Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting System". ASELSAN.com.tr
  34. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  35. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named flightglobal1may14
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AMR
  37. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named sanction
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named dbm.gov.ph
  39. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :0
  40. ↑ "Turkey close to receiving first interim T129 attack helicopters" Archived 8 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, 3 April 2012.
  41. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  42. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  43. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  44. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  45. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  46. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  47. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  48. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  49. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  50. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  51. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  52. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  53. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  54. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

External links

File:Commons-logo.svg
Wikimedia Commons has media related to T129 ATAK.Template:Preview warning

Template:TAI aircraft Template:AgustaWestland aircraft

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=TAI/AgustaWestland_T129_ATAK&oldid=76331"