What's new

Pakistan Army's T-129 ATAK Helicopter Deal | Updates & Discussions.

ATAK and Z-10 will both be inducted eventually.

Just a matter of time.
https://www.safran-helicopter-engin...loped-aero-engine-be-certified-china-20191010

Safran and AECC introduce the WZ16, the first jointly-developed aero engine to be certified in China
10 October 2019, China Helicopter Exposition, Tianjin

Safran Helicopter Engines and Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announce the issue of the Type Certificate for the WZ16 turboshaft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Installed in the AVIC AC352 helicopter, the WZ16 is the first jointly-developed aero engine to be entirely certified by Chinese authorities. Also known as the Ardiden 3C, the WZ16 has been jointly developed and built by Safran Helicopter Engines, with Harbin Dongan Engine and Hunan Aerospace Propulsion Research Institute (HAPRI), both parts of the AECC consortium. The Ardiden 3C was certified by EASA in April 2018.



2019-10-10_-_wz16_certification_-_china_helicopter_exposition_1csafran.jpg

Safran


"Certification from Chinese authorities marks a major milestone for Safran Helicopter Engines and AECC" commented Bruno Bellanger, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Programs. "It confirms that the WZ16 is now ready to operate in accordance with world-class Chinese safety and performance standards, thanks to an intensive maturation plan conducted by our partners. It is also a historic moment for the Chinese aerospace industry as it is the first-ever jointly-developed aero engine to be entirely CAAC certified, and a major step toward AC352 entry-into-service".

Harbin Dongan Engine, the Type Certificate holder said, "The Type Certificate from CAAC is a further step towards the commercial success of the WZ16. It is thanks to the close cooperation of AECC, Harbin Dongan Engine, HAPRI and Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as to the strong support of CAAC. In the future, we will not only expand our engine portfolio but work hand-in-hand with Safran Helicopter Engines, to provide continuous airworthiness and after-sales service of the WZ16, ensuring smooth operation and world-class after-sales service for our clients. Thus, they can buy it confidently and use it safely."



wz16-ardiden3ccsafranhelicopterengines_0.jpg

Remy Bertrand - Safran


The WZ16/Ardiden 3C is a new-generation turboshaft in the 1,700-2,000 shp range. The Ardiden 3 family has completed over 10,000 hours of tests, confirming high levels of design maturity and competitive operating and maintenance costs. It features a remarkably compact modular architecture, a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and low cost-of-ownership. It also delivers at least 10 % better fuel consumption than engines operating in the same power range.

The WZ16 flight test campaign started in December 2016 with the Avic AC352's maiden flight.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aircraft propulsion and equipment, space and defense markets. Safran has a global presence, with more than 92,000 employees and sales of 21 billion euros in 2018. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world's leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 72,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.

WZ-16 militarised version is used for new Z-10ME which will gives it uprated horsepower and high attitude performance.
 
Last edited:
From my understanding
ATAK I has two variants a and b.
ATAK II has been redesignated as T629. This bird aims to be an alternative to the Apache/Mi28 class of helicopter.
Could be wrong. Get some Turk members to help out here.
And AH1Zs?
And which ATAK? I or II?
 
From my understanding
ATAK I has two variants a and b.
ATAK II has been redesignated as T629. This bird aims to be an alternative to the Apache/Mi28 class of helicopter.
Could be wrong. Get some Turk members to help out here.
ATAK I is 5 tons, and comes in two variants, A & B
T629 is 6 tons, a major upgrade of the ATAK I with Turkish engine and other parts.
ATAK 2 is a clean sheet, 10-ton attack helicopter

The T629 is supposed to fly in 2020/2021, which is likely another way of saying 'ATAK with Turkish engine.' But it'll be more than just a re-engined ATAK, more of a redesigned and localized variant.
 
And AH1Zs?
And which ATAK? I or II?

PAA is clever, it is getting more bang for the buck with both systems. ATAK II will be considered once it enters service, but PAA improvements have already been incorporated.

ejp2vpsxyaa-oq-.jpeg



Same goes with ME, which means that they are keen on both.

ENsRl0zWoAAuutE.jpg


As for Zulus, they are not coming any time soon.
 
PAA is clever, it is getting more bang for the buck with both systems. ATAK II will be considered once it enters service, but PAA improvements have already been incorporated.

ejp2vpsxyaa-oq-.jpeg



Same goes with ME, which means that they are keen on both.

ENsRl0zWoAAuutE.jpg


As for Zulus, they are not coming any time soon.
I suspect the T129 was sought for endurance and high-altitude ops, so it might specialize in our mountainous regions. But the Z-10ME could be good enough for the plains and deserts as a CAS asset for our armour, and leveraging Chinese economies-of-scale, should come at a lower cost (i.e., more numbers).
 
ATAK I is 5 tons, and comes in two variants, A & B
T629 is 6 tons, a major upgrade of the ATAK I with Turkish engine and other parts.
ATAK 2 is a clean sheet, 10-ton attack helicopter

The T629 is supposed to fly in 2020/2021, which is likely another way of saying 'ATAK with Turkish engine.' But it'll be more than just a re-engined ATAK, more of a redesigned and localized variant.

T12(9)
T(62)5 > T629

Big mistake The T629 will be the armed version of the T625 and will replace the old UH-1's in the army.
 
ATAK I is 5 tons, and comes in two variants, A & B
T629 is 6 tons, a major upgrade of the ATAK I with Turkish engine and other parts.
ATAK 2 is a clean sheet, 10-ton attack helicopter

The T629 is supposed to fly in 2020/2021, which is likely another way of saying 'ATAK with Turkish engine.' But it'll be more than just a re-engined ATAK, more of a redesigned and localized variant.

Yeah the ATAK was program was so much clearer in my mind until TAI yhrew in the T629. So will the heavy ATAK be able to hold it's own in the Apache, Mi28, Eurocopter Tiger class of attack helos since India is getting Apaches?
 
Does this heli look like a utility chopper for you?
T629
upload_2019-10-29_11-47-1-jpeg.586558


i wish they had larger wing to fit 16 Umtas, a place for MMW Radar on top of rotor.

This graphical photo does not belong to the T629. Atak 2 graphic. I recommend that you be informed before commenting.
 
Last edited:
That is exactly what I've been saying. If TAI and PAC really start working together then that will be a huge success in long term. Giving us the foundation to pursue our own AZM kind of project in helo industry. A complete family of helos.
What if PAA is looking for side benefits like TOT, maintenance facility of T-129s not only for PAA ones but also from nearby countries if their is a sale and also for future JVs???

@Quwa @Dazzler @Ahmet Pasha
 
Back
Top Bottom