TAI/AgustaWestland T129 Mystery Cache

The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 is an attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta. The T129 was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), with AgustaWestland as the primary partner. The helicopter is designed for all-weather attack and hot and high environments.

The ATAK programme was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. The T129 is the result of the integration of Turkish developed high-tech avionics and weapon systems onto the combat proven AgustaWestland A129 airframe, with upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades. It is in use by the Turkish Army, and is being offered to other services.

General characteristics:

• Crew: 2: pilot and co-pilot/gunner
• Length: 13.45 m (44 ft 1 in)
• Rotor diameter: 11.90 m (39 ft 0 in)
• Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
• Disc area: 111.22 m² (1,197.25 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,350 kg
• Max. takeoff weight: 5,000 kg (11,023 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft, 1,014 kW (1,361 shp) each
• Propellers: 5-bladed main rotor

Performance:

• Maximum speed: 278 km/h (151 knots, 174 mph)
• Cruise speed: 269 km/h (145 knots, 167 mph)
• Range: 561 km (303 nmi, 341 mi)
• Ferry range: 1,000 km (540 nmi, 620 mi)
• Service ceiling: 6,096 m (20,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 14.0 m/s (2,750 ft/min)