The Turkish government has signed a contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for development of the country’s first national next-generation light utility helicopter.

Signed by the undersecretary for defence industries as part of the indigenous helicopter project, launched in June 2010, the contract covers all three phases of the development programme, Defense News reports.

An unnamed senior procurement official, familiar with the programme, was quoted by the news agency as saying that the project aims to produce a helicopter that is completely designed by local engineers, using customised sub-systems that can compete with other foreign developments in terms of performance and costs.

”The first national helicopter will be sold to the Turkish market and then to international buyers,” the official said.

"The project aims to produce a helicopter that is completely designed by local engineers."

Selected as the indigenous helicopter programme prime contractor in June 2010, TAI had submitted its proposal comprising of a twin-engine light helicopter in October 2012.

Primarily designed to replace Turkish Army’s ageing Bell UH-1H Iroquois fleet, the helicopter is also expected to address the service’s helicopter training requirements.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition, a civilian variant of the helicopter will be developed for the commercial market.

Meanwhile, a TAI official was also quoted by the news agency as saying that the final sales number of the helicopters could reach around 1,200, which includes over 800 units for the army and the remaining for foreign customers.

The company will apply their experience from a Sikorsky-led T-70 Black Hawk utility helicopter development programme to the project, the official added.

Initial test flighting of the first helicopter is expected to take place within the next five years.

Defence Technology