ATAK T-129 P1 - First Flight - Uncut Video 10mins
The first prototype of the T129 attack helicopter destined for Turkey has made its maiden flight at an AgustaWestland facility at Vergiate, Italy, the firm said Sept. 28. Turkey is to acquire 50 T129 helicopters, which are based on the AgustaWestland A129 Mangusta helicopter now in service with the Italian Army. The T129 P1 prototype was flown by test pilots from AgustaWestland and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). AgustaWestland, TAI and Turkish firm Aselan are partners on the program, which features Turkish involvement in design, development and production. In a statement, AgustaWestland said the program is running on time and on budget. Muharrem Dortasli, TAI general manager, said Turkish industry would play a "primary role" in any eventual exports of the T129. AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi called the T129 "the most modern combat helicopter in the world." AgustaWestland has opened a center in Italy to train Turkish engineers on the program. The company also is waiting to hear if its under-development AW149 has been selected by Turkey in a utility helicopter contest, where it is competing against the Sikorsky Black Hawk.
T-129 ATAK UMTAS OMTAS CIRIT GREECE ITALY TURKEY TURKIYE IRAQ IRAN ARMENIA PKK KURDISTAN HELLAS AH-64 APACHE HELLFIRE STINGER 20MM GUN HELICOPTER COMANCHE T-800 ENGINE
