Training for First Flight Crew of Indigenous Helicopter GÖKBEY Completed

The first flight crew training for Turkey's indigenous general-purpose helicopter, the T-625 GÖKBEY, has been successfully completed at TUSAŞ facilities. Following the personnel's completion of the rigorous adaptation process, the helicopter is targeted to join the Air Force Command inventory in October 2026.

Design Capable of Operating in Challenging Conditions

The T-625 GÖKBEY is designed to operate effectively in the most challenging climatic and geographical conditions, at high altitudes and high temperatures, and under both day and night conditions. Developed under the Original Helicopter Program, the helicopter's transmission, rotor, landing gear, structural, and avionics systems were produced entirely with national resources.

The national helicopter, which has a wide range of missions, is equipped to meet various operational needs such as transport, VIP, cargo, air ambulance, search and rescue, and offshore transport.

History of the Program and Significant Signatures

The program, initiated to meet Turkey's need for a general-purpose helicopter with an original platform, was launched with the decision of the Defense Industry Executive Committee on June 15, 2010. Developed with the experience gained from the ATAK Program, the project represents a significant turning point in the defense industry.

During the delivery ceremony held on October 29, 2024, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed the helicopter and inscribed the name of Zahide Güçlü Ekici, an engineer who was martyred in the terrorist attack on TUSAŞ. The Ministry of National Defense announced the completion of the training, stating that the personnel had proudly overcome the rigorous adaptation process.

Technical and Operational Features of GÖKBEY

Capable of staying in the air for more than 5 hours and reaching a range of 948 kilometers, GÖKBEY has a length of 15.87 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,060 kilograms. The helicopter, which has a crew of two and a capacity for 12 passengers, is powered by two TEI TS1400 turboshaft engines, each with 1,400 horsepower.

The helicopter's standard fuel tank capacity is designed at 1,020 kilograms, and its external fuel tank capacity at 280 kilograms. Additionally, the vehicle features a luggage volume of 1.1 cubic meters and a main rotor diameter of 13.20 meters.