TAI T-629 (ATAK-2)

History of the TAI T-629 (ATAK-2)

Turkey's growing military-industrial base and the prevalence of main battle tanks in the Middle East have prompted Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to develop a successor to their T-129 ATAK attack helicopter, known as the T-629 "ATAK-2." Unlike the T-129, which had Italian origins, the T-629 aims to be a wholly Turkish-made attack helicopter capable of competing with both Eastern and Western designs, including the renowned US Army Boeing AH-64 Apache. The idea for this new attack helicopter first emerged in 2017, with specific requirements for twin engines generating 3,000 horsepower and a 2,650-pound war load capacity.

The T-629 will utilize existing components and knowledge gained from the development of the T-129 and the upcoming T-625 transport helicopter. This includes proven gearboxes, rotors, and landing gear components. The T-629 will feature twin engines with infrared (IR) protection, a five-blade main rotor, and a four-blade tail rotor. It will accommodate a two-person crew in a fully armored configuration, similar to the AH-64 Apache, and will be equipped with short wings capable of carrying various weapon systems.

Notably, the T-629 will sport a powerful 20mm Gatling automatic cannon under its chin. While the T-629 won't directly replace the existing T-129 ATAK helicopters, it will serve alongside them in roles like armed reconnaissance. The program represents a significant step forward for Turkey's defense industry, providing an indigenous solution to meet ongoing military needs in the region.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service: 2026

Origins: Turkey

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 2

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Turkey

Operator: Turkey (planned)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 49.2 feet (15.00m)

Width/span: 47.6 feet (14.50m)

Height: 16.4 feet (5.00m)

Cured weight: 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg)

MTOW: 22,267 lbs (10,100 kg)

Wgt Difference: +10,141 lbs (+4,600 kg)

Performance

Installed: Possible: 2 General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, each producing 3,000 hp, driving a five-blade main rotor unit and a four-blade tail rotor unit.

Maximum speed: 186 km/h (300 km/h | 162 kn)

Maximum: 21,325 feet (6,500 m | 4 km)

Area: 511 km (500 km | 926 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 2,400 ft/min (732 m/min)

Weapon

1 x 30mm autocannon mounted in a powered chin turret. Assume support for Turkish Army/Air Force Rocket Pods, Gun Pods, Anti-Tank Missiles (ATGMs), Air-to-Surface Missiles, Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Throwable Fuel Tanks, and other in-service ordnance forces. Up to 2,645 lbs of ammo.