TAI T-625 (Gokbey)

History

Turkey's aviation ambitions continue to grow with Turkish Aerospace Industries' first adoption of the domestic medium lift helicopter product "T625". A direct competitor to existing foreign models such as the French Airbus AW139 and the American Sikorsky S-76 line, the model is being developed in an already crowded market. The Turkish military will benefit the most from its development as it uses its aging fleet of Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters as medium helicopters.

In addition to its obvious military value, the T625 can be used in civilian market roles including VIP transportation, oil/gas industry transportation, search and rescue (SAR), and other roles typically used in medium helicopters.

The T625 was born in 2013 as part of a government-sponsored multi-purpose helicopter platform program.

The aircraft will be in a traditional layout with lines not dissimilar to those already offered by rival Airbus. A short, rounded nose cone will form the front, which will feature heavy duty glass to give the pilot maximum cockpit visibility. Behind the cockpit is a cabin with sliding doors for boarding and disembarking. Above the nacelle is the installation of the twin turboshaft engine assembly.

This will power the five-blade main rotor assembly above the fuselage. A driveshaft connects this engine mount to a four-blade tail rotor assembly offset to the starboard side of the tail. Horizontal stabilizers are also located at the rear, the ends of which are limited by winglets. The landing gear is designed as a tricycle and is fully retractable.

Inside, the plane will feature a configurable cabin that can accommodate up to 12 passengers.

In terms of performance, it is hoped that the Turkish local industry can launch a self-developed turboshaft engine on the T625. Officially, the helicopter is equipped with a 1,373-horsepower Rolls-Royce/Honeywell LHTEC CTS800 series engine, but the engine's export potential is limited by U.S. controls.

The same engine family powers the new Turkish combat helicopter TAI T129 ATAK. Estimated performance specifications for the T625 include a cruising speed of approximately 172 miles per hour. Range is expected to be at least 775 miles, with service capped at nearly 20,000 feet.

Initially planned first flight in September 2018. The development program includes three airworthy prototypes. Certification is scheduled to take place in 2020. A four-seat training variant is also said to be in development.

Specification

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