Bangladesh might have become a customer of the T129 ATAK lightweight attack helicopter of TUSAŞ with an order for six units, according to recent local reports.
Following Nigeria, the Philippines, and Somalia, Bangladesh could be the fourth export customer of the T129 ATAK attack helicopter developed by TUSAŞ.
Defence news site Bangladesh Military Focus reported that the Air Force officials confirmed the acquisition of six T129 ATAK helicopters with a G2G agreement, following a visit from TUSAŞ’s Director of Flight Testing, Arif Ateş.
The addition of T129 ATAK to the Bangladeshi Air Force inventory would represent a significant jump in firepower, as the combat-capable helicopters have consisted only of Russian Mi-17 utility helicopters fitted with unguided rockets or machine guns through sponson pylons. T129 ATAK, as a dedicated attack helicopter design, offers more sophisticated weaponry and sensors such as guided missiles, a trainable 20 mm rotary cannon, and a gimbal EO/IR system.
T129 ATAK
T129 ATAK, based on the Italian A129 Mangusta lightweight attack helicopter, features two CTS800 turboshaft engines providing a power of 2746 shp and an MTOW of five tonnes. The high power/weight ratio of T129 ATAK is important as it will have to operate in the hot climate of Bangladesh, which increases the required power for the same weight.
The helicopter uses an array of avionics and sensors developed by ASELSAN, while most of the weaponry is being produced by ROKETSAN.
The weaponry options for T129 ATAK include 20 mm triple-barrel rotary cannon, Cirit 70 mm laser-guided missiles (Four-round smart pods), UMTAS/L-UMTAS ATGMs, and unguided 70 mm rockets (FFAR/Hydra 70). Work is ongoing for the integration of the new UMTAS GM family of extended-range ATGMs to allow engagements at a distance of 20 km (Baseline UMTAS reaches eight kilometres).
Other systems of T129 ATAK include ASELFLIR 410 EO/IR system (Replaced the heavier and less performing ASELFLIR 300) and a self-defence suite including missile warning systems and ECM. Additionally, the helicopter can be fitted with a jammer pod upon need.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
