AgustaWestland unwraps its TUHP 149 helicopter

According to the manufacturer it is a new generation 8.1 tonne medium lift multi-role helicopter designed to meet the requirements of the Turkish armed forces.

The programme would utilise local involvement from TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) and additional Turkish aerospace and defence companies, including ASELSAN, TEI, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN.  AgustaWestland said that it is building on the strategic partnership already set up by through the ATAK programme.

The utility helicopter will have a wide, constant cross section and unobstructed cabin with large sliding doors. It will have a cabin that can be easily reconfigured to meet different operational requirements with the capability to transport up to 18 equipped troops.

With leading edge technology, open architecture digital avionics and integrated mission and weapon systems allow the aircraft to undertake a wide range of missions. The high performance twin-engine helicopter is designed for operations in all environments day and night.

It can be configured to carry a wide range of weapons, including rocket launchers, air-to-surface missiles and machine-guns as well as external auxiliary tanks in a variety of combinations. Pintle mounted machine-guns can also be fitted on fixed frame windows or in the doors.

How the TUHP 149 will look when fitted for a combat support role

Structural provisions for the installation of an external cargo hook, heavy-duty rescue hoist and a wide range of other mission equipment are provided according to the OEM.

AgustaWestland said the TUHP 149, due to its modular design for rapid role re-configuration, is perfectly suited to perform an impressive range of duties including troop transport, battlefield and logistic operations, fire support, SAR and combat SAR, special forces operations, reconnaissance, surveillance, CASEVAC, command control and communication, external load lifting as well as VIP military transport.

It said that the new technology TUHP 149 has been designed from the outset with low support and maintenance requirements to minimise the operating costs and the through life ownership costs. A range of support and training services packages will be available to provide cost effective through life support to meet customer’s requirements. A full “Level D” flight simulator is also envisaged.