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Turkey Picks Ukrainian Engine for its Planned Attack Helicopter

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Artist’s rendition of Turkey’s planned attack helicopter ATAK-2 / Photo Courtesy of TAI
Artist’s rendition of Turkey’s planned attack helicopter ATAK-2 / Photo Courtesy of TAI

Engines from Ukraine will power Turkey’s future-in-service TAI ATAK-2 attack helicopters

Turkey’s planned heavy attack helicopter ATAK-2 that is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will supposedly be powered by 2x Ukrainian-built 2,500 hp turboshaft engines.

This is per an interview that the President and CEO of TAI, Mr Temel Kotil gave to local Turkish outlet Defence Turk.

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Ukrainian engine, Turkey's ATAK-2 combat helicopter
Artist’s rendition of Turkey’s planned attack helicopter ATAK-2 / Photo Courtesy of TAI

The Ukrainian engine has been selected as a bridge gap solution until Turkey can build its own indigenous alternative.

The ATAK-2 is designed to replace the lighter weight T129 ATAK -- a Turkish-designed and improved variant of the Agusta A-129 Mangusta – now in Turkish military service.

Ukrainian engine, Turkey's ATAK-2 combat helicopter
T129 light ant-tank helicopter and heavier TAI ATAK-2 / Photo Courtesy of Defence Turk

The ATAK-2 is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the spring of 2023. Turkey will, supposedly, order one of the most recent variants of the Motor-Sich TV3-117 turboshaft engine.

Ukraine and Turkey have recently stepped up bilateral cooperation in the defense technology sector.

Ukraine, Motor Sich, Turkey's new ATAK-2 combat helicopter
Motor-Sich TV3-117VMA-SVM1V 4E engine / Photo Courtesy of PAT Motor Sich
Read more: Ukraine’s Motor Sich awarded $800 million contract to support Chinese JL-10 trainer fleet