Turkey unveiled yesterday its first domestically designed and built multi-role helicopter, the T625 Gökbey, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and equipped with up to 34 different avionics systems developed by Turkish defence company Aselsan, one of the world’s 50 largest defence companies.
Designed by Turkish engineers to suit Turkey’s geographic and weather conditions, the Gökbey is intended to replace UH-1 gendarmerie helicopters and be used for search and rescue, transport, firefighting and as an air ambulance, according to Turkish media.
Preliminary studies for the development of the Gökbey began in 2010, and in 2013 agreements were signed to launch the project for a 6-tonne multi-role helicopter, which also involved the Spanish company CESA, which was selected to provide the hydraulic systems. Initially the Gökbey was planned to weigh 5 tonnes using two LHTEC CTS800 engines, but a new generation engine, the TS1400, developed by Turkish engineering company TEI, was added at a later date.
The T625 Gökbey was first unveiled during an event in Ankara in September 2014, while the maiden flight of the first prototype took place in September 2018. On 29 June 2019, the Gökbey carried out its first fully equipped flight, receiving certification from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Finally, on 22 April 2023 the helicopter performed its first flight with the new generation TS1400 engine.
Characteristics of the T625 Gökbey
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 12
- Length: 15.87 metres (52.1 feet)
- Main rotor diameter: 13.20 metres (43.3 feet)
- Maximum take-off weight: 6,050 kilograms (13,340 pounds)
- Engines: 2 × TEI TS1400 Turbo-shaft, 1,400 shaft horsepower (1,044 kW) (each)
- Standard fuel tank: 1,020 kilograms (2,250 lbs)
- External fuel tank: 280 kilograms (620 pounds)
- Cargo compartment: 1.1 cubic metres (39 cubic feet)
- Top speed: 165 knots (306 km/h)
- Cruising speed: 150 knots (280 km/h)
- Range: 400 nautical miles (740 km), 512 nautical miles, (948 km) with extra fuel tank
- Air endurance: 3.8 hours, more than 5 hours with extra fuel tank
- Flight ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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