cabatli_53
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Indeed. But AH-1W still remain the primary combat chopper for Turkey right? Are there any plans on a version of T-129 with a larger takeoff weight?
Turkey has 10 AH-1W and 25+ AH-1F/P Cobra's + 1 test-bed AH-1P Cobra in inventory at present. The inventory is being enlarged with T129 Atak configurations to be manufactured the number of 91.
-T129A is developed for primerily COIN missions. In following year, 9 A variant is going to be upgraded to B1 configuration.
-T129B1 poses a take off weight of 5000kg and It is the real multi-purpose anti-tank/surveillance configuration aimed for Atak program at the beggining.
- (If Turkish Army approves, Latest 21 Atak will be manufactured as B2 configuration) TAI works on the take-off weight of B2 to be increased between %5-%10 (max. 500kg), While new generation avionic systems/hardwares will be installed to gain aprox. %50 lighter weight of current A version's avionics. Such efforts will make B2 to be able to carry different payload and increased range. The Nose section will be re-designed/quite longer than current standart A and B1 versions and Maybe It is going to be a munition box like Apache for 20mm canon on B2.
In accordance with statements TAI manager Muharrem Dortkasli spoke, The members tried to draw an avarage design of B2 configuration.
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Remember an old news from defencenews which summarize current developments...
Turkey Pushes T-129 Gunships for Pakistan, but US Could Scupper Deal
ISLAMABAD AND ANKARA — Turkey is aggressively lobbying to give T-129 attack helicopters to Pakistan to replace its aging AH-1F fleet and is prepared to agree to generous terms with cash-strapped Pakistan to do so, according to sources.
However, the US could sink the deal and make a counteroffer of helicopter gunships to Pakistan that could be too good to refuse.
Turkish officials confirmed talks have “matured to a certain extent,” and Turkey remains committed to any possible deal, not only for financial benefits but also potential strategic gains.
“We see that both countries are keen to cooperate,” said one senior procurement official in Ankara. “We have a longer-term vision over any deal. We do not aim to win just one foreign contract but also view spillover benefits for the local industry. The Pakistani market may win international recognition for the T-129 and pave the way for future contracts.”
However, a Pakistani source familiar with the negotiations said Turkey had offered to gift three T-129 helicopters to Pakistan with 2,300 items of spares.
“Given the mood of Congress, it is extremely difficult to predict what they might or might not do. It takes only a couple of members or senators to demur, and the whole process could be halted. Everything depends on the political mood of the moment.”
Nevertheless, Turkey hopes the T-129 will be an export success.
Despite Turkey’s hopes, however, the US might try to tempt Pakistan with a deal for the AH-1Z Viper helicopter.
“I do not think that Pakistan would be tempted to ditch the T-129 deal if there were an offer of Vipers. There might be a good deal proposed by the US, but operating costs are high and would [argue] against acceptance. Further, and probably more significant, there is decided and most strong opposition in Pakistan to further deals with the US.”
Turkey Pushes T-129 Gunships for Pakistan, but US Could Scupper Deal | Defense News | defensenews.com