First Turkish-made T625 GÖKBEY helicopter to feature 34 ASELSAN systems

The first fully Turkish-designed multirole utility helicopter T625 GÖKBEY will be equipped with 34 different systems developed by the local defence company ASELSAN.

The avionics suite designed for the GÖKBEY boasts cutting-edge features that allow it to compete with similar systems used in international civil aviation platforms. The multi-role helicopter program is being executed in Türkiye by aerospace company TUSAŞ, Caliber.Az reports, citing ASELSAN's X post.

Under the GÖKBEY program, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ or TAI) has developed a twin-engine, six-ton light helicopter for both civilian and military purposes. ASELSAN’s contributions to the GÖKBEY helicopter include a flight control computer, indigenous communication systems, an identification friend-or-foe system, a flight management sensor system, an integrated modular display, a cockpit display unit, cockpit control panels, a navigation system, a structural integrity monitoring system, and a data collection and processing unit.

The helicopter represents a significant advancement in Türkiye's aerospace capabilities, aiming to enhance both national security and civil aviation sectors. The integration of advanced technology and systems from ASELSAN highlights Türkiye’s commitment to developing its own indigenous defence industry.

The T625 GÖKBEY can accommodate a maximum of two crew, namely a pilot and co-pilot, and up to 12 passengers. 

The T625 GÖKBEY has a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor to minimize vibration and noise. Both the main and tail rotor hubs are fully articulated with elastomeric bearings. Both rotor systems are driven by a transmission system, which consists of the three-stage main gearbox, having the capability of operation for 30 minutes in the event of loss of lubrication.

Aselsan’s decades of experience in the field allows them to provide avionics systems for all platforms in accordance with customer needs and at standards competitive to international alternatives. The company’s offerings are also extended to software, especially for mission computers of aircraft, a significant element of the national independence of Türkiye’s defence industry.

By Khagan Isayev