Paris Air Show 2023: Turkish Aerospace Industries unveils revolutionary T929 ATAK II attack helicopter.

Paris, France, June 19, 2023 - The prestigious Paris Air Show 2023 was the stage for Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to reveal their newest innovation, the T929 ATAK II. The twin-engine, heavy attack helicopter has been designed by TAI to cater to attack, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions under all weather conditions, both day and night.

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 Turkish TAI T929 ATAK II attack helicopter at Paris Air Show 2023.  (Picture source Air Recognition )

The T929 ATAK II is a testament to the industrial experience that TAI has gained through its joint venture with the Italian Leonardo Company for the T129 Attack helicopter project. The T929 ATAK II is a breakthrough in the heavy attack helicopter sector, developed specifically for the Turkish Land Forces and the Turkish Navy's requirement for operation from the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship (LHD).

A unique design feature of the T929 ATAK II is the tandem seats and asymmetrical weapons bay, along with high ammunition capacity and low infrared (IR) signature. The helicopter also boasts a digital cockpit, ballistic protection, improved avionics, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare and countermeasure capabilities.

The helicopter is equipped with a nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret that has target-tracking functionality. Its electronic warfare systems include infrared/ultraviolet missile-warning sensors and a tail-mounted directed-infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system designed to jam heat-seeking missiles.

The T929 ATAK II helicopter can undertake a diverse range of tasks such as air-to-ground combat, air-to-air combat, armed reconnaissance surveillance, and close air support (CAS) operations.

With a crew of 2, the T929 ATAK II has a maximum takeoff weight of 10,000 kg. It is powered by two TV3-117 turboshaft engines, with each engine producing 1,864.25 kW (2,500.00 hp). The helicopter's performance specifications include a maximum speed of 318 km/h, a cruise speed of 314 km/h, and a service ceiling of 6,096 m.

The armament includes a 30mm cannon and six hardpoints with a capacity of up to 1,500 kg, and provisions to carry combinations of rockets and missiles. The rocket arsenal includes 70mm unguided rockets like the MKE FFAR, Hydra 70, and CRV7, while the missile options feature UMTAS and L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles, Cirit: 70mm guided missile for lightly armored or unarmored targets, and several anti-aircraft missile choices such as PorSav, Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS), Air-to-Air Mistral (ATAM), Bozdoğan or AIM-9 Sidewinder.

The debut of the T929 ATAK II at the Paris Air Show 2023 is a testament to Turkish Aerospace Industries' dedication to innovation and development in the aerospace industry.