TAI will equip its T129s with Ukrainian engines
Pakistan has granted an additional 6-month delay to the Turkish helicopter manufacturer
TAI. Indeed, since 2018, its T129 has been selected by the Pakistan Army Aviation (equivalent to the ALAT) to replace the AH-1F Cobra, and this at a rate of 30 units for a market of 1.5 billion dollars.
The T-129 is a Turkish licensed production of the
Italian A129 Mangusta combat helicopter .
Modernized locally, however, it benefits from the American-made LHTEC800 turbine engine, and since 2015, the United States has refused to export the said engine outside Turkey, making it impossible to fulfill the contract.
Pakistan has been lenient towards its partner, as other nations such as Qatar and the Philippines have already canceled their contracts.
Ukrainian engine
This embargo against Turkey has therefore forced its manufacturers to find alternative solutions to replace American engines.
Ankara thus turned to Ukraine, which has real know-how in this type of engine.
TAI announced on March 15, 2021 the signing of an agreement with an undisclosed Ukrainian consortium for the manufacture of engines with a power of 2300
horsepower.
But it would actually be Motor Sich.
These new turbines will also be fitted to the ATAK-2, the big brother of the T129 which is currently under development.
This action carried out for several months by Turkish diplomacy will allow Turkey to be able to export the ATAK-2 and T129 without hindrance.
Ankara exporte ses T129 vers le Pakistan TAI équipera ses T129 avec des moteurs ukrainiens Délai de 6 mois Le Pakistan a accordé un délai supplémentaire de 6 mois à l'hélicoptériste Turc TAI. En…
www.turquie-news.com