FutureFlight
Turkey's Next Attack Helicopter Will be Electrically Powered and Unmanned
The new T629 combat rotorcraft was unveiled in Turkey last week and is set to make its first flight before the end of 2021.
TAI T629
Turkish Aerospace Industries has unveiled the T629 all-electric, unmanned attack helicopter. (Photo: TAI)

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) last week unveiled a preliminary prototype of its all-electric, unmanned, six-ton T629 attack helicopter. The aircraft, which is expected to make its first flight later this year, reflects the growing interest in military applications for electric propulsion and autonomous flight capability.

The T629 is intended to be used as a platform for search and rescue, anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, and to support Turkey's existing manned T129 ATAK helicopters by flying utility and reconnaissance missions. Similar in silhouette to the two-seat ATAK model, which is also manufactured by government-owned TAI, the T629 has been under development since 2017 and will be capable of carrying anti-tank and unguided missiles. TAI has not disclosed any details about the new aircraft's electric propulsion system or other technology used for the prototype.