Within the scope of the “TUHP-Turkish Utility Helicopter Program”, agreements were signed between the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM), Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) as prime contractor, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. as major subcontractor and three key Turkish aerospace contractors (Aselsan, TEI and Alp Aviation). With these agreements, the program has come into effect and the last steps were taken to start the project schedule.

Under the program, TUHP prime contractor Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and TUHP subcontractors Sikorsky, Aselsan, TEI and Alp Aviation will manufacture and deliver 109 T70 (the “T”urkish S-70) helicopters over the next 10 years to Turkish Land Forces, Turkish Air Force, General Command of Gendarme, Special Forces, Turkish National Police, and the General Directorate of Forestry.

TAI will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly operations, tests and integrated logistics support of all airframe structures and composite rotor blades. In addition to TAI’s work scope, Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) will build engines under a license from General Electric (GE); Aselsan will develop and integrate basic avionics and will co-develop with Sikorsky an enhanced digital cockpit known as the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS);  and Alp Aviation will carry out production and assembly of landing gears, gearbox and dynamic components.

Turkey’s Defence Industry Executive Committee has reported a total program value of $3.5 billion, inclusive of the work to be performed by TAI, Sikorsky and other TUHP partners. With this program Turkey’s utility helicopter requirements will be met, and Turkish industry will play a significant role in fulfilling domestic needs in military and civil areas.