Maiden flight of T265

TURKISH AEROSPACE Industries announced that it performed the maiden flight of its T265 multi- role helicopter at its facility in Ankara on September 6, 2018.

The company reported that the six-tonne helicopter performed as expected during the 20-minute test light, which was designed to provide engineers with an initial assessment of the T265’s general handling qualities, as well as some early rotor and transmission systems performance data.

The first light came after a series of ground tests and was performed without many of the fairings and doors itted.

A TAI spokesperson said in a press release following the successful initial light: “The T265 multi-role helicopter is planned to meet a range of new export opportunities and requirements in the world-wide market as a game-changer and new player, by exceeding the multi-mission requirements for adverse weather conditions, with its maximum take of weight/cabin size ratio, levels of safety [and] operational beneits for operators with EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] certiication.”

The company said the twinengine T265 can accommodate two crew and 12 passengers and is designed for a range of civil, paramilitary and military operations in hot, high and harsh operating conditions.

TAI and Turkey’s Defence Industry Directorate launched the T265 programme in 2013 and, according to the manufacturer, serial production will commence sometime after 2021. Nigel Pittaway