ATAK turns A129 decidedly Turkish
Although Turkey announced its selection of the AgustaWestland A129 for its tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter program in March, it took until Se
Although Turkey announced its selection of the AgustaWestland A129 for its tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter program in March, it took until September 7 to finalize a contract whereby the Anglo-Italian rotorcraft maker will participate in Turkey’s ATAK program in partnership with prime contractor Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI). Other Turkish companies, such as Aselsan, will provide parts and subsystems for the helicopter to be called the T129.
The $2.7 billion ATAK program calls for a total of 51 helicopters–one prototype and 50 production aircraft. According to sources at AgustaWestland’s Finmeccanica parent group, its share totals almost $1.7 billion. An option for a further 41 T129s is part of the contract.
