Turkish helicopter programme moves ahead
The Undersecretariat for Turkish Defence Industries (SSM) has signed agreements with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as the prime contractor and Sikorsky Aircraft as major subcontractor for the $3.5 billion Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP), TAI announced on 7 June.
Three major Turkish aerospace contractors - Alp Aviation, Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) and Aselsan - have also been selected as subcontractors. As part of the programme, the companies will produce and supply 109 T70 helicopters over a period of ten years to the General Directorate of Forestry, Turkish National Police, special forces, General Command of Gendarme, Turkish Air Force and Turkish Land Forces.
TAI will manufacture, conduct final assembly operations, tests and integrated logistics support of all airframe structures and composite rotor blades. TEI will construct engines under a license from General Electric. Aselsan will develop and integrate basic avionics.
TEI will also work with Sikorsky to develop a digital cockpit known as the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS). Alp Aviation will be responsible for production and assembly of gearbox, landing gears and dynamic components.
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