Turkey Set Off to Build Own Helicopter

Turkish procurement authorities have formalized their plans to build an indigenous Turkish helicopter, tasking the country’s main aerospace company with the job.
Under the Indigenous Helicopter Project, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) signed the contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for all three phases of the program.
The program was launched in June 2010, and TAI submitted its bid to be the local prime contractor in October. TAI’s five-ton, twin-engine “light” helicopter would meet the Turkish military requirements in the medium- and long-run, but also will have a civilian model for the commercial market.
The Turkish helicopter aims to replace Turkey’s aging UH-1s, but it also could be used to meet Army helicopter training needs.
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