T129 Atak Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter
TAI is the Prime Contractor where AgustaWestland and Aselsan are the major Subcontractors for the ATAK. First T129 was scheduled to be delivered in 60 months and Program to be completed in 114 months. TAI and AgustaWestland have joint intellectual rights for all T129 configurations.
An "Early Delivery" version (designated as T129A) was introduced in 2010 and 9 helicopters were contracted with the start of deliveries in Q4 2012, 15 months earlier than the original schedule. T129A weapon systems will be limited to a 20mm machine gun (aimed via a helmet mounted sight) and 70 mm unguided rockets.
The maiden flight of the first prototype took place in Cascina-Costa, Italy on 28 September, 2009. The first TAI manufactured prototype "P6", took-off from Akıncı Facilities on August 17, 2011. Six prototypes are being employed in the Qualification Campaign, 3 in Turkey and 3 in Italy.
T129, the latest evolution of the A129 platform, developed from the combat proven A129CBT (in service within the Italian Army since 2002), incorporates totally new system philosophy with new avionics hardware and weapon systems, new generation engine (LHTEC CTS 800-4A), new power transmission, tail rotor and several fuselage modifications.
T129, having the best power to weight ratio in its class, is a very stable platform, with excellent performance for "high and hot" conditions, 3 hours endurance, long range and all-weather day and night operations, asymmetrical weapon loading, low visual, aural and radar signature. High level of crashworthiness and ballistic tolerance enables T129 helicopter an excellent multi-role, operational capability in the most hostile of battlefield environments. The relatively small radar cross section and state of the art systems counter measure systems help to provide high battlefield survivability, low visual, aural, radar and IR signatures.
A five bladed rotor system, wheeled landing gear, and powerful advanced technology engines are major characteristics of the T129. New avionics package provided by Aselsan includes digital cockpit architecture, mission computers and advanced flight and fire control systems. A new FLIR system increases image quality and range performance with real-time image processing and multiple target tracking with high resolution thermal camera, laser range finder, designator and spot tracker.
T129 cockpit provides an excellent situational awareness through good visibility arcs and fully integrated mission and communication systems with an avionics architecture incorporating dual aircraft central control computers and new MFD pages for both crew members. With the assistance of identical capability function for both pilots, targeting system enables crew members to use all weapons effectively according to missions.
T129B (first to be delivered in Q3 2013) could be configured with Umtas (LORAT) ATGMs, and Cirit (70 mm. Guided Rockets) designed for Turkish Armed Forces. Further armament options include Hellfire and Spike ATGMs, Stinger A/A missiles.
