AgustaWestland Enters Negotiations with Turkey for the Supply of A129 as ATAK Helicopter

Released on Saturday, March 31, 2007

The Turkish Executive Committee has announced that it is to start contract negotiations with AgustaWestland, in partnership with Turkish Aviation Industry (TAI), for the Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter � ATAK Project - for the Turkish Land Forces Command. The estimated value of this programme to AgustaWestland is in excess of Euro 1.2 billion based on the requirement for 51 A129 helicopters.

Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said "The Turkish Executive Committee's decision to start contract negotiations further confirms the high technological capability level achieved by AgustaWestland and its ability to meet the widest range of customer requirements worldwide". The AgustaWestland proposal includes significant industrial benefits for Turkey. Several leading Turkish aerospace companies, such as TAI and Aselsan, will be involved in the programme. Final assembly, delivery and acceptance of the aircraft will also take place in Turkey.

The A129 is a multi-role combat helicopter designed for day/night and adverse weather combat operations. The A129, powered by two LHTEC T800 turboshaft engines, has a state-of-the-art cockpit and features a fully digital integrated avionics system which controls and manages the flight and mission sub-systems. The Italian Army, which already operates the A129, has successfully deployed the helicopter in support of a number of United Nations peace keeping missions in Somalia, Kosovo and Iraq. The A129 has demonstrated high reliability and low maintenance during these operations, despite the harsh environmental operating conditions.