TAI T629
The TAI T629 is a medium-weight attack helicopter currently being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
T629 | |
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TAI T629 | |
Role | Attack helicopter Unmanned attack helicopter |
National origin | Turkey |
Manufacturer | Turkish Aerospace Industries |
Status | Under development |
Primary user | Turkish Armed Forces |
The T629 has more carrying capacity and extra one tonne of compared to the T129 ATAK, but less than the heavier T929 ATAK 2 that is also being developed. Unlike the Italian and Turkish partnership with the T129, the T629 is being developed by Turkey only.[1]
Development
The T629 project started on August 14, 2017. TAI began assembling the first flight model of the helicopter in 2019.[2] No technical details of the helicopter have been revealed so far, except the MTOW (max take-off weight); which is 6 tonnes. It is expected that the helicopter will carry launchers of 70 mm unguided missiles and L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles.[3] The first variant (manned) was revealed in June 2020. The second variant (unmanned) was revealed on February 25, 2021. The T629 shares common systems with TAI T625 Gökbey multi-utility helicopter. It is expected for flight tests to be conducted in 2021, and for deliveries to begin to the Turkish Armed Forces in 2022.[1][4]
Variants
There are two variants of the T-629. One unmanned and electric variant, and one classic-style manned variant.[4] It is expected for the unmanned and electrical variant to be used in critical missions since it will be quieter.[4]
References
- "T-629 Taarruz Helikopteri". Savunma Sanayi ST (in Turkish). 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
- "Turkey's unmanned attack helicopter exhibited for first time". TRT World. 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
- "Turkey Unveils Its Indigenous T629 Attack Helicopter". dfnc.ru. 2020-06-05. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
- "TUSAŞ'ın T-629 elektrikli ve insansız taarruz helikopteri ilk kez görüntülendi". defenceturk.net (in Turkish). 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2021-07-27.