


















|
Turkey
is due to award a contract for up to 145 attack helicopters in 1999. The
first phase of the attack helicopter contract could cover an initial
batch of 50 machines with deliveries scheduled to start in 2002. Among
the contenders are Boeing’s Apache Longbow (although its radar is not
yet approved for export to Turkey), Eurocopter’s Tiger, Kamov’s
Ka-50-2T Erdogan with Israeli avionics, and Agusta’s A129
International. Defense Helicopter understands that Bell is offering the King Cobra, a version of the four-bladed AH-1Z under development for the
US Marine Corps. Another option would be an additional batch of AH-1W Super Cobras, a type that Turkey already operates. Notably absent from
the competition are Denel’s Rooivalk and Mil’s Mi-28N. The Comanche
is not ready to compete for export orders yet. The Apache, the Ka-50-2T
and the AH-1W went to Turkey for demonstrations in October, with the
A129 International following. The Tiger was expected in late November.

Click to return the ATAK News
Headlines
|