T-129

Lightweight attack helicopter



The T-129 is a new Turkish attack and reconnaissance helicopter

Entered service 2013
Crew 2 men
Dimensions and weight
Length 13.45 m
Main rotor diameter 11.9 m
Height 3.4 m
Weight (empty) 2.35 t
Weight (maximum take off) 5 t
Engines and performance
Engines 2 x LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines
Engine power 2 x 1 362 shp
Maximum speed 278 km/h
Cruising speed 269 km/h
Service ceiling 6 km
Range 561 km
Ferry range 1 000 km
Armament
Cannon 20-mm cannon (500 rounds)
Missiles 12 x UMTAS anti-tank missiles
Other unoperated rockets





The T-129 lightweight attack helicopter was jointly developed by AugustaWestland of Italy and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) of Turkey. This programe was intended to meet a Turkish armed forces requirement for a new attack and reconnaissance helicopter. In 2007 a contract was signed between AugustaWestland and TAI for development of new attack helicopter. Originally 51 helicopter was ordered with an option for 40 more. Under the agreement Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T-129. The first prototype made its first flight in 2009. First operational helicopters were entering service with the Turkish Army in 2013. Turkish Army also operates a fleet of ageing AH-1 Cobra and AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and is in desperate need for new machines. The T-129 attack helicopter is also being offered for export.

The T-129 is a derivative of Italian A-129 Mangusta, modified to suit Turkish needs. It is being assembled in Turkey. This attack helicopter uses Turkish high-tech avionics, weapon systems, mission computer, self-protection suites and some other systems. The new helicopter also has upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades. The T-129 is optimized to operate in hot climate and high altitudes.

The T-129 uses LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, that are manufactures in Turkey under license. It is a version of the T800 engine, developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell. The original engine was developed for the US RAH-66 Comanche reconnaissance and attack helicopter. After cancellation of the Comanche programme this engine found use on other helicopters. The Turkish helicopter has a five-blade main rotor system.

The T-129 gunship has a 20-mm three-barrel cannon in a nose turret. It can also carry Stinger air-to-air missiles or unoperated rockets. The T-129A is an initial production model. Nine of these helicopters were ordered to meet urgent operational requirement. Later production helicopters will be able to carry UMTAS advanced anti-tank missiles. These missiles were developed by Roketsan and are similar to Hellfire II. Later all T-129A helicopters are planned to be upgraded in order to carry these missiles.

Turkey also developed for this helicopter an advanced fire control radar. Development was completed in 2012. It is similar to US Longbow, used by AH-64D.