Turkish police now have their own attack helicopters. Photo and video: Video: Reproduction twitter @AjansHaberResmi
The Turkish police is the first law enforcement organization of its kind to pilot dedicated attack helicopters. A few weeks ago, the civil police department started operating the locally produced T129B ATAK, developed by Turkish Aerospace.
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Photos released by Anadolu Agency show one of the first aircraft delivered, although the aircraft was formally introduced by the Turkish police, a branch of the Turkish General Directorate of Security.
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T129 ATAK is based on the A129 Mangusta from Leonardo, used by the Italian Army, and made its first flight in August 2011. The Phase 2 helicopter is the latest production version of the ATAK, flying for the first time in November 2019 and being released for service last December.
The Phase 2 helicopter has several updates, including a higher locally produced content. Visible changes include a new pod under the starboard wing, as well as new antennas and sensors on the nose and wingtips.
The additional equipment includes new electronic warfare systems, including an Aselsan laser warning receiver, a new radio frequency jammer, radar warning receiver, and VHF/UHF radio. The payload has been increased to allow for the transportation of additional weapons and new systems.
While the ATAK can be armed with anti-tank guided missiles and Stinger air-to-air missiles, the aircraft for the police, at least for now, seems to have received only rockets and a 20mm M197 chain gun on the nose.
Photo and video: Video: Reproduction twitter @AjansHaberResmi
