Flight Tests of Turkish T-70 Helicopters in 2020

Turkey’s T-70 helicopter built under the $3.5 billion Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP) is scheduled to begin flight tests in 2020.

“Turkish-built T-70 multi-role utility helicopter will begin test flights next year,” Turkish Aerospace Industry (TUSAŞ/TAI) Deputy General Manager Kemal Yıllıkçı was quoted as saying by Daily Sabah.

The first locally assembled T-70 Black Hawk rotorcraft was unveiled on November 25.

US’ Sikorsky teamed up with TAI to produce 109 T-70 utility helicopters based on multi-role Black Hawks in June 2016. The deadline for the delivery of the aircraft for Turkey’s Land Forces, Air Force, Gendarme, Special Forces, National Police, and the Directorate General of Forestry, was set for 10 years.

TAI will customize the T-70 helicopter in two configurations, for utility and firefighting.

For every T-70 helicopter that TAI assembles for the Turkish end users, TAI will also assemble an S-70i helicopter that Sikorsky will purchase from TAI for sale in the international market.