"The T-625, a six-ton, twin-engined system, is a commercially-minded product being developed by TAI of Turkey."
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the TAI T-625 Twin-Engine Medium-Lift Transport Helicopter.
2 x LHTEC CTS800 turboshaft engines developing 1,373 horsepower driving a five-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor. Propulsion
171 mph 276 kph | 149 kts Max Speed
19,997 ft 6,095 m | 4 miles Service Ceiling
621 miles 1,000 km | 540 nm Operational Range
2,000 ft/min 610 m/min Rate-of-Climb
Structure The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the TAI T-625 Twin-Engine Medium-Lift Transport Helicopter.
2 (MANNED) Crew
54.6 ft 16.65 m O/A Length
45.3 ft (13.80 m) O/A Width
16.3 ft (4.98 m) O/A Height
7,716 lb (3,500 kg) Empty Weight
13,669 lb (6,200 kg) MTOW
Variants Notable series variants as part of the TAI T-625 (Gokbey) family line.
T-625 - Base Series Designation
P0 - Initial test aircraft; prototype.
P1 - Follow-up test aircraft (all-up prototype); to support commercial certification phase.
P2 - Third prototype.
P3 - Possible forth prototype for accelerated development.
Turkey's ambitions in the realm of aeronautics continue to grow with the inclusion of its first-ever indigenous medium-lift helicopter product by Turkish Aerospace Industries - the "T625". The type is being developed as a direct competitor, in an already crowded market, to existing foreign models such as the French Airbus AW139 and American Sikorsky Model S-76 lines. The Turkish military stands to gain the most from its development for it fields an aging fleet of Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters for the medium-lift role. Beyond its obvious military value, the T625 will also be offered for civilian market roles to include VIP transport, oil/gas industry transport, Search and Rescue (SAR) and other roles typically slated for medium-class helicopters.
The T625 was born in a 2013 government-sponsored initiative for a multi-role helicopter platform.
The aircraft will be given a traditional layout with lines not unlike the helicopters already offered from competitor Airbus. A short, rounded nosecone will make up the frontal section which will feature heavy glazing for maximum vision out-of-the-cockpit for pilots. Aft of the cockpit will be the passenger cabin with sliding entry-exit doors. Above the cabin will be the installation of the twin turboshaft engine arrangement. This will power a five-bladed main rotor unit above the fuselage. A drive shaft will connect this powerplant fit to a four-bladed tail rotor unit offset to the starboard side of the tail fin. At the tail will also be the horizontal stabilizer which will be capped at its ends by winglets. The undercarriage is set to be of a tricycle arrangement and complete retractable. Internally, the aircraft will hold a configurable cabin with seating for up to twelve occupants.
In terms of power, it is hoped that local Turkish industry will be able to deliver a homegrown turboshaft engine to field in the T625. Officially the helicopter is outfitted with the Rolls-Royce / Honeywell LHTEC CTS800 engine series of 1,373 horsepower but the export potential of this engine is limited by United States control. This same engine family powers the new TAI T129 ATAK Turkish attack helicopter product. Estimated performance specs for the T625 include a cruising speed of around 172 miles per hour. Range is expected to reach at least 775 miles with a service ceiling nearing 20,000 feet.
A first-flight is tentatively scheduled for September of 2018. The developmental program will involve three flyable prototypes. Certification is planned for 2020. A four-seat training variant is also said to be in the works.
November 2017 - The T-625 was displayed (in mock-up form) at the Dubai Air Show.
February 2018 - The T-625 is on pace to enter market service sometime in 2020.
August 2018 - An incomplete prototype form of the T-625 medium-lift helicopter was unveiled on August 19th, 2018.
September 2018 - On September 6th, 2018, the T-625 prototype completed a short, 20-minute "hop" during early testing.
May 2019 - The prototype T-625 helicopter is under preparations to undertake its first official flight sometime in 2019.
May 2019 - Certification for the T-625 is currently scheduled for sometime in December 2019.
June 2019 - The T625 is a showpiece of TAI during Paris Air Show 2019.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the TAI T-625 (Gokbey). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.
Total Production: 0 Units Contractor(s): Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) - Turkey
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