TAI completes delivery of helicopters to Turkish Army

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Turkish Aerospace Industries reports that it has completed deliveries of T129 ATAK Multirole Combat Helicopter to the Turkish Army.

The last of nine helicopters ordered was delivered at the end of last month and is now conducting operational missions.

"The successful delivery of the first fleet of helicopters is a major milestone for the Turkish aerospace and defense industry in terms of design, development and international collaboration," TAI said.

"This latest accomplishment provides further evidence of the successful cooperation between Under-secretariat for Defense Industries as a procurement agency, Turkish Land Forces as an end user, TAI as a prime contractor and sub-contractors with the development and delivery of the most advanced combat helicopter in its class."

The 129 ATAK helicopter has a maximum speed of 174 mile per hour, a range of 341 miles and a ceiling of 20,000 feet. It carries a three-barrel 20mm Gatling-type cannon, as well as rockets and missiles.

TAI developed the helicopter in partnership with AgustaWestland and is offering the aircraft to international customers.

The helicopter is being taken for display and demonstration in Poland where TAI is competing for a military contract.