With a chalet at the show for the first time and two of its products proudly on display, Turkish Aerospace Industries is intent on becoming a feature of future events.
Both already ordered by the Turkish armed forces, the Anka unmanned air vehicle and T129 attack helicopter are also now being aimed squarely at the export market, along with the absent Hurkus basic trainer.
The B-model T129 on display is drawn from a 59-unit order for the Turkish land forces, which also hold options on a further 32. The 5t type – also named the ATAK – is currently being promoted to Poland, with appearances due later this year at the nation’s Radom air show and MSPO exhibition.
Warsaw is expected to issue a formal request for proposals on the project around September, says helicopter group business development manager Görkem Bilgi, with TAI looking to partner with more Polish companies in pursuit of the deal. Other sales targets include the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia and the Middle East, where the type will participate in next year’s Bahrain International Air Show.
TAI also is working towards making sales of the Anka to potential export buyers, with the indigenous model also having attracted attention at Le Bourget.
Its turboprop-powered Hurkus trainer was unable to make this year’s show, as the company is preparing to launch a series of spin-recovery test flights with one of its pair of prototypes. Seven or eight flights will be conducted from August with a recovery parachute installed, says Özcan Ertem, head of the company’s aircraft group.
Verification flights will be performed for the European Aviation Safety Agency in October, ahead of the expected receipt of certification early next year, Ertem says.
Fifteen of the type will be delivered to the Turkish air force from June 2018, with the service to potentially add a further 40 to this total.
Meanwhile, TAI is involved in a Turkish government-led process to seek a foreign development partner during Ankara’s TFX fighter programme. Airbus Defence & Space, Alenia Aermacchi, BAE Systems and Saab have been invited to by August express interest in the opportunity to work with the company, along with China’s CATIC.
Source: Flight Daily News
