Türkiye’s indigenous helicopter Gokbey excels in UK debut, says test pilot
Arif Ates, test pilot for Türkiye's first indigenous helicopter Gokbey, addresses the press on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s most prestigious events in aviation. (AA Photo)
Test pilot Arif Ates from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) reported that Türkiye’s first indigenous helicopter, Gokbey, had a highly successful first international flight experience in the U.K., noting: “We received very positive feedback from the audience.”
Ates addressed the press on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s most prestigious aviation, defense, and space industry events, following Gokbey’s debut international flight demonstration.
Highlighting that the helicopter had undergone years of testing and they had the opportunity to present it to the world before its delivery, Ates stated that Gokbey’s first international flight demonstration was very successful.
During this demonstration flight, they showcased the helicopter’s flight characteristics, performance, and maneuverability, Ates noted, adding: “We saw very positive feedback from the audience.”
Ates emphasized the rarity of new aircraft designs in the aviation market and considered TAI very fortunate, saying: “We are now entering the aviation world with a new prototype aircraft, our Gokbey helicopter. It is a 6-ton helicopter, and the flights we conducted here make us extremely proud,” Ates added.
“We have previously participated in this fair with the Atak helicopter, which we have started selling internationally. For the first time, we performed a demonstration with the Gokbey helicopter in the international aviation community and showcased our helicopter. It is now ready for delivery.”
‘Product competitive with other rivals’
Ates explained the helicopter is produced and certified in both civil and military versions, saying, “Initially, we are about to complete the certification as a military platform. We will make the first delivery in the coming months.”
“We have conducted over a thousand hours of test flights with four prototype helicopters. These tests were performed at sea level, mid-altitude in Ankara, and high altitude in Eastern Anatolia. One of our helicopters is still conducting test activities in Erzurum,” Ates added.
“We have fully explored the helicopter’s envelope; it has a flight envelope of up to 20,000 feet and can stay in the air for nearly 4 hours with a range of up to 750 kilometers (466.0 miles). Therefore, we have made it a very competitive product compared to its rivals.”
Ates emphasized that the helicopter’s tests were conducted under challenging conditions, stating, “The helicopter can perform maneuvers very easily.”
Ates mentioned the segment targeted by Gokbey is extensively used, noting that the helicopter will be employed in personnel transport, search and rescue, ambulance operations, offshore flights to oil exploration platforms in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, firefighting, and many areas in the civilian sector.
Ates highlighted that the helicopter, capable of safely flying over cities, is equipped with entirely new technology.
Evaluating Türkiye’s first national helicopter engine, TS1400, Ates recalled they integrated the engine prototypes into the helicopter and conducted a flight in April last year.
Ates remarked the engine was highly successful, noting that deliveries would begin with the current engine to avoid setbacks. Still, tests with the new engine would continue, and they hoped future deliveries would be made with the domestic engine.
