The TAI T929 ATAK 2 is a twin-engine, heavy attack helicopter under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries. The helicopter is designed for attack, electronic warfare and reconnaissance missions in all-weather environments in both day and night conditions.[1][5]
The Atak 2 will incorporate some sub-systems and components developed under T129 and the T625 Gökbey helicopter projects.[6][7]
Developmentedit
In November 2018, the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSB) initiated the heavy-class Atak 2 helicopter comparable to Boeing AH-64 Apache for Turkish military and potential export markets. In February 2020, the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSB) signed a contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries to develop the helicopter for an undisclosed value.[8]
The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is developing the T929 Atak 2 helicopter using industrial experience gained through the joint T129 Attack helicopter project between Turkish Aerospace Industries and the Italian Leonardo Company.[9][10]
The T929 helicopter features tandem seats, asymmetrical weapons bay, high ammunition capacity, low infrared (IR) signature, digital cockpit, ballistic protection, improved avionics, electronic warfare and countermeasure capability.[14][15]
The helicopter will be fitted with a nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret that includes target-tracking functionality. The helicopter will also feature electronic warfare systems such as infrared/ultraviolet missile-warning sensors and a tail-mounted directed-infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system to jam heat-seeking missiles.[8]
The heavy class helicopter[16] can be tasked with air-to-ground combat, air-to-air combat, armed reconnaissance surveillance and close air support (CAS) operations.[5]
Enginesedit
The T929 Atak 2 will be powered by two 2,500 horsepower turboshaft engines.[17][18] Turkish TAI has signed an agreement with Ukraine's Motor Sich to supply fourteen TV3-117 engines for its developmental ATAK 2 heavy attack helicopter.[15][14][16][18]