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

T-629

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@Bilal Khan (Quwa)
Prototype or production version?
 
And that is the most fascinating feature of this helicopter.
If the TSK isn't interested in it, then the T629 is purely an export play. If the PAA emerges as its launch user (a long way from that considering it hasn't flown, no idea how it'll do in tests), then it has leverage for local manufacturing, offsets, etc.
 
A nice video below (unfortunately in Turkish)! Major points:
  • T129 has reached its limits from further development POV, like adding MMR radar etc.
  • T629 will have indigenous turbo shaft engine
  • T629 will have indigenous transmission systems; hence, more flexible in putting engines from different vendors
  • Tons of new staffs - EW, radar, sensors, longer range and heavier A2A/A2G missiles etc. - are to be incorporated to make T629 ready to take on armors
  • T629 is designed to be highly scalable in terms of power, transmission, payload etc. So, ATAK II may not be necessary in near future
  • 1st flight within this year. Serial production by 2022/23
  • T625 and T629 can be cost-effectively packaged together like the Bell choppers (UH & Cobra) since they share the same engine, transmission, lots of electronics etc.
  • T629 final design will definitely have better and "sexy" looks. The Turkish Merts are quite sensitive and adamant about it!! Warfare isn't for LGBTs (recent India-China standoff being an example)

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If the TSK isn't interested in it, then the T629 is purely an export play. If the PAA emerges as its launch user (a long way from that considering it hasn't flown, no idea how it'll do in tests), then it has leverage for local manufacturing, offsets, etc.

TSK is definitely not interested in T629. They aren't even interested in ATAK-II, as T-129 is currently more than enough for the role it's serving in South-East of Turkey. However, with growing outlook of Turkey's foreign policy and LHD set to sail in near future, ATAK-II is a must have.

For me it's best to see T629 as a stepping stone towards ATAK-II.

T629 mock-up cockpit; we can see large area multifunction display.
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A nice video below (unfortunately in Turkish)! Major points:
  • T129 has reached its limits from further development POV, like adding MMR radar etc.
  • T629 will have indigenous turbo shaft engine
  • T629 will have indigenous transmission systems; hence, more flexible in putting engines from different vendors
  • Tons of new staffs - EW, radar, sensors, longer range and heavier A2A/A2G missiles etc. - are to be incorporated to make T629 ready to take on armors
  • T629 is designed to be highly scalable in terms of power, transmission, payload etc. So, ATAK II may not be necessary in near future
  • 1st flight within this year. Serial production by 2022/23
  • T625 and T629 can be cost-effectively packaged together like the Bell choppers (UH & Cobra) since they share the same engine, transmission, lots of electronics etc.
  • T629 final design will definitely have better and "sexy" looks. The Turkish Merts are quite sensitive and adamant about it!! Warfare isn't for LGBTs (recent India-China standoff being an example)

View attachment 640311

any in English?
 
T-629 will make its first flight in this year. The model introduced in images was just a mock-up.
There is alot on confusion surrounding this T629 project. While some call it a 6-ton attack helicopter other have called it to be lighter than ATAK T-129 (5 ton). Some reports suggest it will be an armed version of T-625 and will be used to support ATAK and ATAK-2 as reconnaissance role and will be a light/med utility helicopter but armed!!

Should we assume that Pakistan will move towards T-629 due to blockade of T129?
T629 will only make sense if we get T625 too as a light transport/utility helicopter (which we are not likely to do)
If we do decide to get these in numbers then a few armed version in shape of T629 will make sense.
 
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