T625 GÖKBEY: General Purpose Helicopter

The T-625 GÖKBEY is a general-purpose helicopter designed, developed, and produced by Turkish engineers at TUSAŞ facilities, tailored to the geographic and climatic conditions of Türkiye for use by the Turkish Armed Forces and Civil Aviation sectors.

The Indigenous Helicopter Program, aimed at meeting the general-purpose helicopter needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and other institutions with a unique platform, was launched following the decision of the Defense Executive Committee (SSİK) on 15, 2010. The program’s budget and timeline were established by the SSİK decision on January 3, 2013, and the contract between SSM and TUSAŞ was signed on June 26, 2013.

The T625 GÖKBEY General Purpose Helicopter is being designed and produced using local resources, building on the knowledge, experience, and capabilities gained during the ATAK Program. The design and production of critical systems such as structural and avionics systems, transmission, rotor, and landing gear are being carried out using national resources. With its wide mission scope, the T625 GÖKBEY will be able to perform various tasks, including transport, VIP, cargo, air ambulance, search and rescue, and over-water transport.

As the first general-purpose helicopter developed and produced with domestic capabilities, T625 GÖKBEY successfully made its first flight on 6, 2018. On 19, 2023, the P1 prototype, powered by the TS1400 turboshaft engines developed and produced by TEI with national resources, successfully performed its first test flight.

Work continues for the certification of the helicopter by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). The T625 GÖKBEY, designed and produced by TUSAŞ, is progressing successfully through its testing and certification processes. The serial production of three T625 GÖKBEY helicopters is ongoing, and they will be delivered to the Gendarmerie General Command. With the national TS1400 Turboshaft Engines, the helicopter will be able to operate effectively in the most challenging climates and geographical conditions, at high altitudes and temperatures, during both day and night.

Design and Development Stages

The preliminary design studies for the indigenous general-purpose helicopter began in 2010. The contract for the 6-ton class general-purpose helicopter project was signed on June 26, 2013, and the program schedule began on September 6, 2013. As part of the project, Alp Havacılık is responsible for producing and assembling landing gear, gearboxes, and dynamic components, while the Spanish company CESA (Empresa Española de Sistemas Aeronáuticos) was selected to supply hydraulic systems.

Initially, the T-625 was expected to weigh 5 tons and use two LHTEC CTS800 engines, as the same engine was used in the TUSAŞ T-129 ATAK helicopter. However, Turkish engine manufacturer TEI began developing the new generation TS1400 engine.

The first introduction of the helicopter was made on September 5, 2014, during the "Industrialization of Indigenous Helicopters" meeting in Ankara. The T-625 prototype made its first flight on September 6, 2018. On June 29, 2019, the T-625 prototype made its first fully equipped flight and was certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. On April 22, 2023, the first test flight with the TS1400 engine took place.

The first delivery of the T625 GÖKBEY to the Gendarmerie General Command will take place on 29, 2024, during the 101st anniversary of the Republic. It is reported that the GÖKBEY helicopters will be assigned to personnel transport, cargo, air ambulance, search and rescue, and training activities for the Gendarmerie General Command. Additionally, the delivery of 20 GÖKBEY helicopters, including 7 to the Land Forces Command, 4 to the Air Forces Command, 3 to the Gendarmerie General Command, 3 to the General Directorate of Security, and 3 to the Coast Guard Command, will be completed by 2026.

Features

• Wide Mission Range: The T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter has different cabin layout options to perform various defined mission profiles, such as cargo, VIP transport, ambulance, and search and rescue operations. With its spacious cabin and high load capacity, the T625 GÖKBEY can be easily adapted to perform a wide range of mission profiles for both civilian and military operators worldwide.
• Ease of Maintenance: The T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter is designed to maximize operational readiness and minimize maintenance costs with its structural, avionics, and mechanical systems. The T625 GÖKBEY Maintenance Service Plans, prepared by TUSAŞ Integrated Logistic Support Services, aim to control unexpected situations and increase efficiency with the support of expert personnel.
• High Temperature and Altitude Performance: The T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter is designed and optimized for missions in hot and high geographical conditions, as well as adverse weather. The helicopters are equipped with many new technologies to provide the highest level of safety and operational benefits for operators.
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: 12
• Baggage Capacity: 1.1 m³ (35 ft³)
• External Fuel Tank: 280 kg (617 lbs)
• Standard Fuel Tank: 1020 kg (2248 lbs)
• Main Rotor Diameter: 13.20 m (43 ft)
• Length (with Rotors Turning): 15.87 m (52 ft)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 6,050 kg (13,340 lbs)
• Engines: 2 x TEI TS1400 Turboshaft, 1,400 shaft horsepower (1,044 kW each)
• Maximum Speed: 165 knots (306 km/h)
• Cruise Speed: 150 knots (280 km/h)
• Range: 740 nautical miles (1,370 km)
• Endurance: 3.8+ hours