Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) declared that it has awarded a contract to the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Co. to deploy CTS800 to power a light helicopter, which has been developing by the Turkish company.
According to TAI, initially its Light Utility Helicopter will be built for the commercial market and then versions will be launched for military use.
It stated that the engine will be the same model as that used on the T129, the Turkish indigenous attack helicopter developed jointly with Italian-British AgustaWestland. But the utility version's engine will feature a commercialized full authority digital engine control.
The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), TAI has been developing the utility helicopter since 2013 under a contract with Turkey's procurement authority.
The program includes the design, development and production of a 5-ton, twin-engine utility platform capable of carrying nine passengers and three crew members.
“First flight is expected in 2018-19 with certification following about 18 months later,” said SSM.
TAI expects to sell its utility helicopter to the Turkish military and to export markets.
According to TAI, initially its Light Utility Helicopter will be built for the commercial market and then versions will be launched for military use.
It stated that the engine will be the same model as that used on the T129, the Turkish indigenous attack helicopter developed jointly with Italian-British AgustaWestland. But the utility version's engine will feature a commercialized full authority digital engine control.
The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), TAI has been developing the utility helicopter since 2013 under a contract with Turkey's procurement authority.
The program includes the design, development and production of a 5-ton, twin-engine utility platform capable of carrying nine passengers and three crew members.
“First flight is expected in 2018-19 with certification following about 18 months later,” said SSM.
TAI expects to sell its utility helicopter to the Turkish military and to export markets.